Diving Eagle Backgammon Set with Handle

Diving Eagle Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

An eagle drops wings-wide across the lid of this wooden backgammon set, talons open and every feather cut in relief on a cross-hatched ground, with a small eight-pointed star over its head and leaf scrolls curling in from the corners. A cut-out carry handle runs through each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The reverse is worked in the same dark wood rather than inlaid: a chequered panel with every other square stamped with a ring of small flowers, framed by two cartouches of curling leaves and stippled grape clusters, the second handle above.

Open it and the points are teardrops incised into the wood with ringed tips, an eight-pointed star scratched faintly into the middle of each half, the bar edges scalloped, the rails cut with grip slots and the corners with troughs; the hinges are brass-toned. The six photos show the board alone.

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, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: a diving eagle in relief on a cross-hatched ground with a small eight-pointed star above it and leaf scrolls from the corners; a stamped chequered panel between leaf-and-grape cartouches on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: incised teardrop points with ringed tips, an incised eight-pointed star in each half, scalloped bar edges, grip slots and corner troughs
• 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

• The eagle is the lid: wingtip to wingtip it spans almost the full width, the largest bird carving in this range.
• Carved both sides: the reverse chequerboard is cut and stamped in the same wood, no contrasting inlay.
• Handle in each half: the board lifts by a cut-out grip on either face.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Where is the octagon? There isn't one — the old title said 'eagle in octagon', but the photos show the eagle flying free on a cross-hatched ground with a single small star above it, so the title has been corrected. There is no bag either: the old copy listed one, but the six photos show the board only, and the checkers and dice are listed from the maker's specification.

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 feathering and the cross-hatched ground with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth. Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat; store it closed with the checkers inside.

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