Featured VINTAGE BONE & BAMBOO MAHJONG SET (ca. 1950?)

The seller reckoned this was from the 1920s or 30s, but the style of the case makes me think it's more likely post-WWII.

It's very worn out, but I think that it can be restored, and that's what I'm going to try and do...once I find a new case for it, because this one is crumbling to dust...

 

Nice...
I remember Moms set from the early 60's.....much used.... very colourful.....this looks earlier...

 

Trying to restore the tiles.

Before...

...and after.

These tiles are so worn out, they require not just painting, but also carving. So this is gonna take AGES.

120 left to go...

 

I like the way they are bamboo on one side....... could it help date them ??

 

MJ sets have been made from bone & bamboo for over 100 years. This set is probably from the 30s-50s. Can't really be more precise than that, unfortunately. I'm still undecided on if I keep it or sell it.

 

Do you have photos of the case?

 

I am pretty sure they are pre 1930s, the reason I asked if you have any photos of the case.
Here is something you need to know. Because they do not have numbers on them, these were not for export. This was something I learned years ago having sold several sets.

 

Yes I'm aware of that. As for the case, it's literally falling apart. It's a simple briefcase-style case. No handle, no catches, barely any hinges.

 

Cool. Nice find.