Reachmahjong.com

Just saw this tile set listed on eBay from a UK seller: http://item.ly/270787439118

The most striking feature is the lacquered tile racks. Behind each rack is an integrated set of trays for scoring sticks with an ornamental painted lid. Quite attractive.

Unlike the tiles! They're an orange colour so presumably made from Bakelite or some other early plastic. I don't like the tile markings and they have Arabic numerals too. I guess they have a certain "retro" appeal though and historic interest. There's no case either - the tiles and accessories come in two silken bags.

The seller has listed the set as originating from Japan in the 1970's. Starting price only a tenner!

Hum...
Did anyone else have this message?

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Oh... Looks like the seller wants to avoid international shipping (the set is 3.4 kg and obviously bulky too) and has restricted it to UK buyers only. Even so, I thought they would still at least let you view the listing in other countries.

Anyways, here's a montage of the pics showing the racks and tiles:

Thanks!

These racks are really beautiful!

It's a shame to have such yellowish tiles with them.
A black tile set will definitively be better.

Image full view

I have a set of those racks. They were sold separately, so it was up to the consumer to decide what type of tiles to use with it.
I believe the racks to be older than the seventies.

The tiles are possibly also older than the seventies. I've seen those come detached from the backs.

Not sure why the seller says the whole thing is from Japan.

I much prefer a traditional white tile set so I'd appreciate the contrast of white on black.

Have sent the seller a couple of questions. Would like to know if they have any provenance on the lot (or if they're just guessing).

Unimpressive response this morning. He is guessing and apparently doesn't have time to measure the tiles either.

I didn't expect you to measure all of them!

Barticle wrote:Unimpressive response this morning. He is guessing

I guessed as much.

Barticle wrote:He is guessing and apparently doesn't have time to measure the tiles either.

I didn't expect you to measure all of them!

"Oh, boy, I don't have time to measure all these tiles." Lol