Russian Eagle Backgammon Set with Handle

Russian Eagle Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Wings spread to the rim of a rope-edged oval, the double-headed eagle of Russia holds the centre of this Russian backgammon set, leaf scrolls curling out on both sides across a cross-hatched ground, a rope border framing the lid. A cut-out carry handle runs through each half. 60 × 60 cm, handmade in Armenia.

Its back is not bare: the carved backgammon set carries a second decorated face there, squares of pale and dark wood inlaid in a panel with a leaf-scroll cartouche carved to left and right.

Open it and the emblem is there twice more, a pale-wood eagle inlaid at the centre of each half with the fleur-tipped points running up to it; side grips are cut into the rails, dice recesses sit in the corners and the hinges are brass-toned.

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 double-headed eagle in a rope-rimmed oval on a cross-hatched ground, leaf scrolls either side 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 and an inlaid double-headed eagle in each half; 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

• One emblem, full size: the eagle fills its oval from rim to rim, with nothing else competing on the lid.
• Eagle inside as well: the same emblem is inlaid flat in both halves of the playing side.
• Two handles: a cut-out grip in each half, so the closed board lifts by either edge.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Why is nothing but the board pictured? Because the five photos were shot of the board on its own. Checkers and dice therefore come from the maker's specification rather than the pictures; the bag the earlier listing promised is absent from every photo and is not supplied. The eagles inlaid inside, on the other hand, are plainly visible in the open view and were simply never written up.

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 out of direct sun and away from radiators; store it closed with the checkers inside.

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