Antique ca. 1850-1880 Faux Book Leather Backgammon Chess & Draughts Set
Located in Nottingham, GB
This exceptional antique English book-style games set, dating approximately to 1850–1880, combines the appearance of a finely bound library book with a complete traditional games board.
Designed to resemble an antiquarian volume entitled “History of England”, the leather-bound case opens to reveal a beautifully gilt-tooled backgammon board, with an outer chess/draughts board. The ingenious book-form design is both highly decorative and historically fascinating.
Included with the set are two original matching leather-covered and gilt dice shakers, four dice including two bone examples, an antique boxed set of boxwood and ebony counters/draughts pieces, and the original period printed Backgammon rules.
The faux-book format has an interesting history. Book-style games boards were originally developed as a discreet way of concealing gaming boards during periods when games such as backgammon were discouraged or prohibited. By the Victorian period, however, the book design had become a fashionable and decorative format in its own right.
The exterior features aged leather covering with gilt decoration and faux book detailing, while the interior contains the richly decorated playing surfaces. The overall effect is that of an attractive antiquarian book when closed, concealing a substantial games set within.
A wonderful collector's piece, decorative library object and playable games set, particularly suited to a study, library, games room or period interior.
MEASUREMENTS:
Open: 17” Length x 4.75” Width x 1⅜” Deep
Closed: 14.75” Length x 8⅜” Width x 1⅜” Deep
CONTENTS:
Leather-bound faux library-book games board
Backgammon board
Chess/draughts board
Two leather-covered gilt dice shakers
Four dice, including two bone examples
Antique boxwood and ebony counters/draughts pieces
Original printed Backgammon rules
CONDITION: Very good antique condition commensurate with age and use. The leather retains its attractive aged appearance, with some losses and wear to the gilding, faux pages and leather covering. The playing board has retained much of its original colour and decoration. Hinges remain strong and functional. The antique draughts...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Games
