BeautifulBackgammon

It can appear difficult to choose between the different backgammon games in my store - and you may wonder why the prices are so different. The price of a game depends on multiple factors. Age, condition, materials, rarity and how much work I’ve had to put in to get it into beautiful shape. The more expensive games will usually be made from either walnut (the most common), oak, or mahogany. They will typically have the closing mechanisms and hinges made from brass. The playing pieces will almost always be made from ‘buis’ (boxwood). The more modestly priced games (180-250€) will often be ‘café games’ from between 1900 - 1950 when cafés had games for customers to use. These games are lovely but they aren’t the same build quality

During the early part of the 20th century backgammon (or jacquet as the French played it) was all the rage in France and any self-respecting café or bistro would have several games (called ‘counter games’) at the disposition of their clients. These games have a charm all of their own - and do they ever have stories to tell ! They carry the wrinkles from their hard-lived lives and I just love them - but they are not of the same quality of build or materials as the more expensive games you will find in my Etsy store.

It is very common to find moth damage to the green baize playing surfaces of these old games. Generally I prefer not to replace the cloth if the damage is limited as I feel that part of the charm of these wonderful antique sets is their ‘lived in’ quality. Each game has its unique history - and the patina that time has left on them is different on every one. I do however treat all of my games against moths and other parasites - so the game will not further deteriorate. Just occasionally I come across a really beautiful game where the playing surface is so badly damaged that it must be replaced. In these circumstances I fit a new playing surface made to the exact size of the game.

For the majority of my deliveries inside the EU (so not including the UK) I use Mondial Relay who assure a good service from France with excellent tracking. For most of the EU, deliveries are to the nearest Mondial Relay point to your home. Customers generally prefer this as they find it convenient when they are not at home at all times to receive parcels (especially those that are too big for the mailbox - like 90% of my games).

For shipping outside Europe I use UPS, and here also delivery to the nearest UPS pick-up point is the norm. Please note I do NOT insure my games above the 80€ basic cover. For UPS deliveries insurance to 1,000€ is available for 12€.

Please note : Relay points they will normally hold your package for 8-10 day

My solid wood backgammon games are by robust by nature, but adequate packaging is essential - especially on orders going to the other side of the world. I recycle packaging materials wherever I can (including the cartons themselves and the bubble-wrap) but I will never compromise on the quality of the package. I use fiberglass-reinforced tape and all my packages carry ‘Fragile’ warnings.

In the hundreds of games I’ve despatched around the world I have only ever had one arrive damaged. If you wish me to insure your package above the 80€ UPS minimum please message me. There will be a 12€ surcharge for insurance up to 1,000€.

No. Unless you specifically request that I insure your purchase (for which there will be a surcharge) it will only be covered for 25€ (or 80€ in the case of UPS). Although It is extremely rare, it is always possible that a transporter may lose or damage a package. For my more expensive items I recommend insurance. Please contact me for an extension of insurance cover, which with UPS will cost 12€ for 1,000€ cover.

Any taxes, duties, VAT or other customs charges are automatically factored-in to the total you pay to Etsy. There have recently been some (post-Brexit) issues over VAT charges on shipments valued at over +/- £75, where the UK authorities have chosen to collect the VAT directly - rather than via the vendor (Etsy). I cannot be responsible for any additional customs charges, whether to the UK or elsewhere. In line with the overarching Etsy policy, any such charges are the sole responsibility of the buyer.