Donated to the Museum in 1983, the box (photograph on the left) top indicates a patent date of 1885. It may be assumed that this domino set is from an original run at that time, or was manufactured some time in the early 1900s.
The set was manufactured in the United States. The box lid is 4.8cm long x 16cm wide x 1.3cm high, and the box bottom is 4.5cm long x 15.7cm wide x 3.6cm high. Along with the name of the manufacturing company on the top of the box is the serial number E-479 and other patent information.
The set is composed of 28 wooden tiles that are 4.2cm x 2.1cm x .9cm thick. A few of the tiles can be seen in the photograph on the right. On each domino is an ornate floral and scroll design embossed on both the front and back of each tile. Superimposed on this design on the front of each tile are the standard domino pips in a red-orange color.
It is apparent from the two photographs, that the box is quite worn, and the tiles are somewhat soiled and show signs of considerable use. This might be expected from a set of this age.
The set appears to be a standard set used for play of the usual domino games of "Block", "Draw", or "Bergen".
Last update February 4, 2010