Double-Headed Eagle Chess and Backgammon Set with Lattice Frame

Double-Headed Eagle Chess and Backgammon Set with Lattice Frame — Handmade in Armenia

The double-headed eagle of Russia, cast in metal, sits in a round recess at each end of this chess and backgammon set, on a dark lattice-carved frame with a carry handle at each end; inside, that eagle and the coat of arms of Armenia are inlaid in pale wood. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″, handmade in Armenia, with checkers, dice and a bag.

This is the wooden chess set with the geometric character: nothing curls on it. The lattice is a fine net with a dot at every crossing, running from the inlaid field out to an edge that waves in scallops, the coordinates sit on brass discs, and the 32 pieces are faceted rather than plainly turned — cut into flat planes that catch the light down their edges, pale for one army and dark for the other.

Open it and the backgammon field is inside: pale points tipped with a fleur-de-lis, the Russian eagle inlaid in one half and the Armenian arms — eagle and lion either side of the shield — in the other, the handles showing as lifting slots in the rails. It folds in half on bronze hinges and clasps.

Specifications

• Size: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Material: beech wood, dark-stained, with inlaid pale and brown squares and brass coordinate discs
• Carving: dotted diamond lattice over the whole frame, round recess at each end holding a cast-metal double-headed eagle, waved edge, cut-out handle at each end; inlaid points, the Russian eagle and the coat of arms of Armenia inside
• Pieces: 32 faceted wooden chess pieces in pale beech and dark walnut; 30 wooden backgammon checkers; pair of dice
• Folded: 30 × 60 cm / 11.8″ × 23.6″
• Carry handle: cut through each end, with lifting slots in the end rails inside
• Hardware: bronze hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding carved beech board — chess outside, backgammon inside
• 32 faceted wooden chess pieces, 16 pale and 16 dark
• 30 wooden backgammon checkers and a pair of dice
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• Two eagles, two arms: the Russian eagle cast in metal outside, the Russian and Armenian arms inlaid in pale wood inside.
• Faceted, not turned: pieces cut in flat planes that flash down their edges under a lamp.
• Full size that still moves: a handle at each end and a fold down the middle on a big board.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the carving real? The lattice is carved into the dark-stained beech with a dot at every crossing, the edge is shaped in waves, the handles are cut through the frame, the squares and the points are inlaid, and the two coats of arms inside are inlaid pale wood with line-work detail. The eagles at the ends are cast-metal discs set into round recesses, not carvings. Nothing is printed.

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? Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Wipe with a dry, soft cloth and store it closed.

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