Company Story
Est. 1975 · Manhattan Beach, California
A Family.
A Craft.
Half a Century.
Three generations. One unwavering belief: that the finest domino set you'll ever own deserves to outlast you.
"Dad was always so proud of the quality of his dominoes and said emphatically you couldn't find a better domino anywhere."
It started even before Alex. His father Nathan Cramer was a licensed peddler working across England, Ireland, and Canada — a merchant by trade before the family ever set foot in America.
Alexander Elliot Cramer carried that instinct forward. As a teenager he sold snacks on steamships and railroads. In the 1940s he opened a clothing store in San Francisco — and it was his wife who ran it during his WWII service, doing extremely well at it — then later a beloved toy and gift shop in Palo Alto.
Nathan Cramer — peddler, England, Ireland & Canada
Alex Cramer at his San Francisco clothing store, early 1950s
In the 1970s, dominoes entered the picture — and something clicked. While competitors raced to the bottom on price, Alex raced to the top on quality. He found a niche where his lifelong obsession with craftsmanship was an advantage, not a liability.
He was a tireless worker. As he aged, the business got smaller but never stopped. He maintained his warehouse, shipped orders, built fixtures, and photographed products himself — well into his 90s.
"He continued the business through his 97th year. Still lifting boxes, still shipping orders, still sketching new product ideas — well into his 90s."— Irl Cramer, son of the founder
When Alex passed in 2007 at 97, his son Irl faced a choice: liquidate or carry on. His customers made it easy — they were calling, asking where to get their dominoes.
Irl kept the name, the standards, and the relationships his father spent a lifetime building. With two sons of his own, the question isn't whether this continues — it's how many more generations it runs.
The third generation — the story isn't over
Nathan's official peddler's certificate
Why Alex Cramer
The same four commitments since 1975.
Urea Stone Dominoes
Precision molded at over 3,000 lbs per square inch. Dense, heavy, virtually indestructible — with deeply drilled dots that gleam in any light.
Handcrafted Walnut Cases
Hand-selected American Black Walnut, lacquered and hand-rubbed with Danish Oil. Brass hinges and closure latch. A genuine work of art.
Made in the USA
Our domino and dice cases are hand-assembled in America with extra-strong splined construction. Sourced and built close to home.
Iron-Clad Guarantee
Every product guaranteed for life against defects or breakage. No questions asked. Even lost dominoes get replaced — for free.
