Armenian Arms and Map Backgammon Set with Handle

Armenian Arms and Map Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

The eagle and lion of the Armenian coat of arms fill one rope-rimmed roundel of this Armenian backgammon set and the map of Armenia, regions outlined, fills the other, both in one tone on cross-hatched grounds, a leaf knot between them and a rope border. A cut-out carry handle runs through each half. 60 × 60 cm, handmade in Armenia.

There is no pale wood on the lid; the relief alone does the work. Turn the carved backgammon set over and the reverse carries an inlaid chequered panel between two leaf-scroll cartouches.

Open, the pairing returns as pale inlay: a map of Armenia with its regions named in one half and the coat of arms in the other, between fleur-tipped inlaid points, with side grips, corner dice recesses and brass-toned hinges.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark brown stain with pale inlays inside, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: the coat of arms of Armenia, eagle and lion round the shield, in one rope-rimmed roundel and the map of Armenia with its regions outlined in the other, both on cross-hatched grounds, a leaf knot between them and a rope border; leaf-scroll cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: inlaid points with fleur tips, an inlaid map of Armenia with regions named in one half and an inlaid coat of arms in the other; side grips and corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges and two front clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with carry handle
• 32 wooden checkers
• Two dice

Why You'll Love It

• Arms and map twice: carved on the lid, then inlaid in pale wood on the playing side.
• Regions named inside: the inlaid map carries every region of Armenia in Armenian lettering.
• Two handles: a cut-out grip in each half, so the closed board lifts by either edge.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Are the checkers and dice in the photos? No — the five photos show the board only, so the checkers and dice are listed from the maker's specification and not pictured here. The carrying bag the old listing mentioned is not photographed either and is not included. The inlaid map and arms inside were never mentioned before.

What about shipping and returns? Shipping is free worldwide and tracked. Every set is covered by our 30-day returns policy.

How do I look after it? Brush the relief with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth. Keep it away from direct sun and radiators; store it closed with the checkers inside.

Also known as nardi (нарды), nardy, tavla or shesh besh.