1870s Game Boards

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

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...

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

This stunning table is the ideal surface to play backgammon, chess, and checkers in style. The wood structure is upholstered in leather and features removable legs, so that both sides of the beveled top can be used: a backgammon field with leather inlays on one side and an inlaid chessboard on the other. Under the top three leather-covered trays with compartments store the boxwood chess pawns, the maple and walnut backgammon...

Vintage 1970s backgammon and chess set depicting the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, 1519-21. Carved chessman portray the great Montezuma II and Aztec warriors...

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

American, circa 1900. A highly unusual American folk art game board. Hand designed and painted likely in New England by an Ivy Leaguer which features a 4 corner "Yale Vs. Harvard" d...

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.

19Thc Original mustard painted on a black painted base trimmed in red pin striped.The condition is very good and a undisturbed surface.

Experience the artistry of Middle Eastern craftsmanship with this exquisite hinged box featuring intricate mother-of-pearl marquetry in a micro mosaic design. This elegant piece open...

This mid-20th century American wooden game board box is as charming as it is versatile, offering timeless entertainment in a compact, travel-friendly design. Crafted from wood with a...

This is a good and complete English resin moulded "weighted" chess set game of 32 pieces, in a jointed pine box, all dating to the early/ mid 20th century, Circa 1930's. The chess p...