French Game Boards

Very early American wooden games board; probably the oldest I have handled, this dates to about circa 1835 and exhibits the markings of a typical cottage industry type manufacture (not unlike very early Noah's Arks). Obviously entirely hand crafted; measurements are not exactly square (left to right; top to bottom), probably made of a local soft wood, and hand painted with squares not perfectly delineated. Black light and "loop" inspection reveals age crazing and original paint that, in conjunction with original wear and no attempt to touch up, dates it to the early 19th century. Most definitely American, as the last thing an English immigrant would have brought to America at that time would have been a game. When closed, or in the folding position, the board game simulates and is made to look like two books resting side by side (see images), and thusly, was made to sit on a book shelf, either horizontally or vertically; and to be pulled out to play games when desired, which would have been either the game of checkers (draughts), chess, or backgammon. The board opens up to a two sided game option. On one side is the proverbial 64 square (English/ American version) of chess or checkers; and on the other side is a backgammon board. Both sides are hand painted in gold and black, with a rust colored border around the checkerboard. The interior backgammon play area is also black and gold with the same color rust area to the central part. Nail hinges in the center frame, pivot the two sides to open, while a leather covering borders the edge trim, which is 50% lacking on the hinge side. I state the condition to be good, considering it's age, it's use, and the fact that it is still very "usable" and, if taken care of, will probably continue to be so for nearly another 200 years! The checkers, (12) black pieces and (12) yellow (the correct numbers) are hand carved in wood and hand painted. The backgammon pieces (stored in period wooden box) contain 14 yellow hand painted and carved pieces and (13) black ones. (15) of each color are used to play backgammon (simply use the checkers, which are just about the same size (see images) to make up the difference. Most antique game boards...

Chess stones game with black and white pieces made in stone with 24-karat gold-plated metal ornaments. Checkerboard made with black stone, white stone, black resin and wood. Checke...

19th C original painted game board. Nice original Salmon and black paint.

A modern interpretation of the iconic game of chess, our Nelson chess set will delight generations of players or collectors. Artisan crafted from Corno Italiano and crowned with pall...

A late 1920s 35 mm Zeiss-Ikon cinema projector. Lens: Neokino 52.5/110 by Emil Busch A.-G. Rathenow. Original black paint. Lamp house contain...

Vintage Marble Large Chess Set with hand carved Turquoise and White Onyx Pieces. 1950s. Vintage mid 20th century Mexican stone marble chess set comple...

Incredible wrought iron farm animal fire screen by Atelier Marolles, France, 1955. Unique decorative piece showcasing a grid of charming barnyard animals including oxen, roosters, pi...

A modernist backgammon set by US-born, Mexico-based designer Don Shoemaker for his company Señal. This portable set includes the game board, which folds up into a carrying case, chec...

A rare pug or bulldog Figurine bought in Liege France. It is made of Celluloid and very delicate, this would be a great addition for your Toy or Bulldog collection. It is in nice con...

Tim Vranken is a Belgian furniture designer who focuses on solid, handmade furniture. Throughout his designs the use of pure materials and honest natural processes are paramount. The...

This exquisite Chess Set by Hans Teppich, crafted in Israel circa 1950, is a remarkable blend of artistry and craftsmanship. The set features a finely mad...

The ideal gift for poker players or card collectors. A wooden box covered with a luxurious grained leather with hand stitched details. This travel set comes in a wide range of colors...