Russian Coat of Arms Travel Backgammon Set with Lattice Oval

Russian Coat of Arms Travel Backgammon Set with Lattice Oval — Handmade in Armenia

Small enough for a backpack, this Russian travel backgammon set carries the full coat of arms — double-headed eagle, three crowns, sceptre and orb — cut in relief in a rope-rimmed roundel at the centre of a diamond-lattice oval, with a grip cut through the wavy top edge. 30 × 30 cm / 11.8″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The lattice is what makes the lid: diamonds fill the whole oval around the eagle, rope rims frame both, and the corners are stippled. On the other face an inlaid chequered panel of pale and dark squares sits between two carved fan shells, and the grip runs through both halves so the closed board carries like a small case.

Open it and the inside is two-tone: the drop-shaped points and a map of Russia in each half are left in pale wood against the dark stain, so the board is easy to read on a train seat or a park bench. Two plain hinges join the halves and two small clasps close the front. 32 wooden checkers and a dice set come with it.

Specifications

• Size open: 30 × 30 cm / 11.8″ × 11.8″
• Size folded: 30 × 15 cm / 11.8″ × 5.9″
• Material: beech wood, dark brown stain with pale wood in the points, the maps and the chequered panel, brass-toned hinges and clasps
• Carving: Russian coat of arms in a rope-rimmed roundel at the centre of a diamond-lattice oval with a rope rim and stippled corners on a wavy-edged lid; inlaid chequered panel between two fan shells on the other face; grip cut through both halves
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; a dice set
• Inside: pale drop-shaped points and a pale map of Russia in each half against the dark stain; shallow checker rests along the end rails
• Hardware: two plain brass-toned hinges on the spine, two small brass-toned clasps on the front edge
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech travel backgammon board with cut-out handle
• 32 wooden checkers
• Dice set

Why You'll Love It

• Truly portable: folds to the size of a paperback and carries by its own grip.
• Russia inside and out: the coat of arms on the lid, a pale map of the country in each half under the points.
• Two-tone inside: pale points on dark wood, readable in any light.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the eagle carved in relief? Yes — the eagle, crowns and shield stand above the ground inside the roundel and the lattice is cut into the lid around it; the close-up photo shows the depth. The five photos show the board alone; the checkers and the dice set are listed from the maker's specification, and there is no bag.

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 lattice and the eagle with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth. Keep the board out of direct sun and away from heat, and close both clasps before lifting it by the grip.

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