Antique Mahogany Bagatelle Game Box Coffee Table

19th Century mahogany folding and portable bagatelle board game box mounted as a coffee table, the hinged lid opens to reveal the original green baize gaming surface inset with nine numbered cups flanked by twenty-eight peg holder panels inlaid with boxwood and ebony for keeping score. The game board sits in a mahogany custom made stand. It can be removed to sit on a higher table for playing. It does not include balls or cues.

The origins of the game are a bit murky. From the name, it is French. But the English were playing a similar game called shovel-board at the same time. Historically, Louis XIV (1636-1715) gave one of his granddaughters a piece of land near Paris to build a house. The house was later rebuilt and became known as Chateau de Bagatelle in which there was a game room. Late in 1777, a party was given at this chateau in honor of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette and a highlight of the party was a new game with a long board, cues and balls. It became extremely popular throughout France and thus became known as “bagatelle" in honor of the chateau.