Christie's chairman David Linley's backgammon table could win $23,640

A backgammon table by furniture maker David Linley, who now heads Christie's, is for sale in Germany

If you enjoy backgammon or, more to the point, enjoy playing it in style then this table by the furniture maker Viscount David Linley - who today happens to be the chairman of international auction house Christie's - could be for you.

Billed as being in "like new condition" the backgammon table also has an alternative chess cover plate. Even better, the table's drawers contain cards, chips and dice all partly in their original packaging.

This David Linley table will auction in Munich, Germany on March 24 with a €16,000-18,000 (approximately $23,640) presale estimate. It measures 76cm in height, and 86cm in both depth and width.

There seems to be a big market for antique games tables by the world's finest craftsmen at the moment.

David Linley's backgammon table - or chess, if you prefer

Examples we've handled include this example by Holland & Sons, a card table dating to circa 1860. The table is decorated throughout with Hungarian Ash with borders of Purpleheart and Ebony stringing.

When hunting for a collectible piece of antique furniture, it is always worth examining the piece's provenance to see if it has had any notable prior owners.

This game table was formerly of an ennobled family estate in Hertfordshire, for instance. It retains its original cast and chased gilt metal candlesticks. These store inside the table when its top is closed.

The circa 1860 table measures 29" in height, 36" in width and 18" in depth and is for sale priced at £85,000 - you can read more about it here.

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Images: Hampel