Old domino, unusual decoration, balsa wood?

[Jeannine Nield]

I have an old box of dominoes, very lightweight wood (balsa?) The pattern is a Pegasus horse either side of an initial 'N'.

[tomsantiquesetcetera]

Ebony was the preferred wood that was used most frequently due to the rough play.  If balsa you might get 1 game before they broke. Balsa is very weak, used for flyable model airplanes. I would guess they are celluloid which is an early form of plastic made from plant cells rather than petroleum. BTW, celluloid  is VERY FRAGILE with age and will crumble with limited use. If any of your "bones" are broken look closely at the mixture. Black celluloid is dark black with lighter black swirls in it. Use magnification. Most sets have 27 tiles.  Condition determines value.

[LB Laub]

My guess is that these dominoes are composite, most likely made of a molded and compressed sawdust mixture. 

[Jeannine Nield]

That would make sense, LB, thanks :)