Antique 17th Century Eger Games Box for chess and backgammon

42.5x42.5x13.5cms and weights ~7kgs. Has silver mounts with engraved battle scenes

The 'relief marquetry' top decorated with a standard-bearer rider trampling on fallen king and soldiers and with a walled city in the background. The rider has the laurel leaf crown of the Holy Roman Emperors which suggests the scene may be depicting and a Habsburg victory over the Turkish Ottoman troops during the 17thC. The scene is formed from many tiny cut sections of wood, arranged and carved to create a 3d image. This technique was particular to the city of Eger.

A portrait, below of the last Holy Roman Emperor, Eugene 1st bears a striking resemblance to the rider in the scene.

See Christie's reference below for related games box.

Close up of backgammon board

Eger Panel detail 1

Eger Panel detail 2

Eger Panel detail 3

Silver lock engraved with battle scene

Silver Hinge 1 engraved with battle scene

Silver Hinge 2 engraved with battle scene

Eger Counters

Images of the rare Eger counters can be found here

Reference to Holy Roman Emperor Eugene 1st

Reference to Christies Sale Item