Read the following information to identiy your set!
Material: Authentic Ox Bone + Bamboo backing
Composition: 144 Traditional Tiles
Case: Classic wooden cabinet with sliding drawers
Rarity: While ivory sets exist, they are exceptionally rare; most vintage sets from this era are high-quality ox bone.
This is a traditional Chinese set. Unlike American Mahjong, it contains no Jokers, but features the full suite of Honor tiles (Winds and Dragons). If you’ve inherited or found this treasure, we highly recommend learning the Chinese or Hong Kong style of play to truly appreciate its history.
Current Market Value: $100 – $700+ (depending on carving detail and condition)
Material: Early synthetic resins—Bakelite or Catalin
Composition: 152–158 tiles (The standard for American Mahjong)
Unique Feature: Includes Jokers and often comes with colorful Racks (Pushers)
Case: Signature "Alligator" or "Snake" texture faux-leather vanity case
Brands: Crisloid, Metzler, A&L (Lowe), Cardinal, Tycoon
This is a classic American Mahjong set, governed by the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL). The tiles are known for their beautiful "butterscotch" or "marbleized" appearance that deepens with age. Because these tiles are thinner and more lightweight than Chinese sets, they were designed to be used with the racks seen in the photo.
Current Market Value: $150 – $800+ (sets with unique colors like cherry red or marbled green are highly collectible)
Origin: China (Primarily manufactured by state-owned arts and crafts export corporations in regions like Guangdong or Shanghai)
Brand: Unbranded / Export Quality
This set is a classic example of the "Export Era" mahjong kits designed for the international market. While it aesthetically mimics the traditional 1920s "Bone and Bamboo" sets, it is crafted from modern materials for durability. The tiles feature a synthetic resin front (likely Urea or Bakelite) and a bamboo style backing.
It is not uncommon to find "New Old Stock" (NOS) from the 60s and 70s still circulating in the Chinese market today. These are authentic vintage leftovers that remained in warehouses for decades, often still wrapped in their original protective packaging.
Current Market Value: Prices fluctuate based on the set's age, the condition of the box/manual, and whether it is a true vintage specimen or a contemporary reproduction.
Material: High-grade Acrylic or Urea Resin (Pressure Plastic)
Production: Precision injection molding for uniform size and weight
Composition: Typically 160 tiles (Standard 152 + extra Jokers/Blanks for versatility)
Style: Infinite possibilities, from crystal clear and neon colors to glitter, infused designs
This is a Modern American Mahjong set. These tiles are favored for their durability, crisp "clack" sound, and vibrant aesthetics. Unlike vintage sets, modern acrylic tiles do not oxidize or change color over time, maintaining their brilliant finish for decades. Whether you are playing with a classic solid white set or a trendy designer collection, these are built for high-frequency play and compatibility with modern automatic tables.
Current Market Value: $80 – $1,200+ (Designer brands and custom collaborations often command premium prices)
Where to find Vintage Mahjong set?
Facebook marketplace
Facebook groups
Ebay
Etsy
Live Auctioneers
Local opportunity shops
Local Estate Sales (estatesales.net)