Congolese 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...

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

Two sided game board with tribal attributes. American, circa 1900. Original paint. L 28-3/4" W 17-3/4".

This charming vintage brass tic tac toe game set from the 1970s brings playful elegance and functionality to your home decor. Featuring 9 individual ...

Parcheesi gameboard with original green, black, yellow and red paint on putty ground. Plywood. Early to mid-20th century. L 24" W 24". Condition: Excellent original condition.

One-of-a-kind set ready for your enjoyment. Pinetti Connect 4 is something exclusive. Forty two wooden pieces covered in a bicolour soft leather that neatly fit on satin brass bars. Four in a row...

This unusual game board is a round reversible and is in black paint with a cow on the reverse. It came out of a unusual Folk Art collection. I've never seen a game board like this on...

House of Cards designed by Charles and Ray Eames by The Museum of Modern Art, New York in 1986. This special picture deck of stacking cards celebrates familiar objects, animals, and ...

Black and white marble chess board. A classic for chess lovers that also looks great as a home decoration.

Vintage Marble Large Chess Set with hand carved Turquoise Onyx Pieces Vintage mid 20th century Mexican stone marble chess set complete chess board in ...

Mid to Late 19th Century rustic painted game table, a country Hepplewhite style game stand with painted checkerboard top enclosed within shallow raised ga...

Exquisite large wooden inlaid squared chessboard box. This fantastic item was designed in Italy during the beginning of the 20th century. This handmade box is fantastic because it has an amazing chessboard made of a combination of pine and oak wood squared pieces. The inside part is very large and can be closed with a key that is included. A wonderful piece that is perfect for completing a neoclassic living room...