] What might she have used for tiles, do you think? Would they be bone, ivory or wood? Or would they be temporary, on small cards like today's business cards? It would be interesting to try and replicate them.....

I'm almost sure I saw a set of hand-written alphabet letters in a display case at Chawton Cottage, years ago. They looked to be written on stiff card. However, I would have thought bone would be more durable. I found the following reference online. It's from an out-of-period book, however: The Mother's Book, by Mrs Child.(1831)

As soon as it is possible to convey instruction by toys, it is well to choose such as will be useful. The letters of the alphabet on pieces of bone are excellent for this purpose. I have known a child of six years old teach a baby-brother to read quite well, merely by playing with his ivory letters. In all that relates to developing the intellect, very young children should not be hurried, or made to attend when they do not wish to. When they are playing with their letters, and you are at leisure, take pains to tell them the name of each one, as often as they ask; but do not urge them.