Cart 0
Overhead view of open domino box with tiles and sliding lid
Small wooden slide-lid box for Napoleonic POW miniature dominoes, closed
Wooden box open showing miniature bone domino tiles inside
Full set of Napoleonic prisoner of war miniature bone dominoes laid out
Close-up of hand holding a single miniature bone domino tile
Miniature bone domino tile held between fingers showing pip detail
Macro view of bone domino tile edge showing natural material texture
Close-up of a single bone domino tile showing black pips and red dividing line
Group of miniature bone domino tiles showing varied pip counts
Close-up of scattered miniature bone domino tiles on red surface

Napoleonic POW Miniature Bone Dominoes, Antique Prisoner of War Domino Set in Wooden Box, Early 1800s

A rare and poignant set of miniature domino tiles, hand-made by a prisoner of war during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815). Prisoners of war crafted trinkets and small games from whatever materials they could source, which they were permitted to sell to local people to fund better provisions during their captivity. These tiny dominoes are believed to be made from bovine bone, left over from meals, with hand-applied black and red staining marking the pips and dividing lines.
Each tile measures approximately 13mm long, 8mm wide, and 2mm thick, a remarkable feat of miniature craftsmanship achieved with the most basic of tools. The set comes housed in a small wooden slide-lid box, which dates from a slightly later period, probably mid-19th century.
The set comprises 28 pieces in total: 27 original tiles (the 6-2 tile is missing) plus 4 additional tiles of a slightly larger size, one of which could be adapted to complete the set in place of the missing piece.
A genuinely rare survival and a wonderful conversation piece for any collector of militaria, folk art, or games history.
Details:
• Origin: Made by a Napoleonic prisoner of war, England
• Era: 1803-1815 (box mid-19th century)
• Material: Bovine bone with black and red staining
• Tile size: Approx. 13mm x 8mm x 2mm
• Box size: W 5.8cm, H 2cm, D 1.5cm
• Contents: 28 pieces (27 original, 1 missing, 4 additional larger tiles)
• Condition: Please see photos for full detail