A late 18th-century / early 19th-century Napoleonic prisoner of war domino set with its original box, circa 1793-1815.

This rare and complete miniature “double-six” domino set was handcrafted by a French prisoner of war during the Napoleonic Wars (circa 1793–1815). Such sets were often made from salvaged bone and housed in intricately decorated boxes—an extraordinary testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of POWs held in British depots and prison hulks.

Most pieces available today were made in England in prisoner-of-war camps and prison ships between 1793 and 1815. Dartmoor and Norman Cross were two of the chief centres, but such prisons were scattered throughout England, with some of the work dating back to 1756.

Features

• Complete traditional “double-six” domino set made from bone (28 domino pieces)

• Original box with geometric polychrome decoration

• Vivid natural dyes and fine detailing throughout

• A poignant piece of wartime folk art and social history

Provenance – Unknown.