Monobridge/Rottgames “Soaring Sparrow” Pumpkin Catalin Mah Jongg Set
Monobridge/Rottgames “Soaring Sparrow” Pumpkin Catalin Mah Jongg Set
Likely 1920s–1930s
The color alone makes this set remarkable. In over nearly a century, its Catalin tiles have developed a rich pumpkin patina that gives the entire collection a warm, unmistakably vintage presence.
Often described by collectors as the Soaring Sparrow pattern for its distinctive One Bam, this set belongs to a family of early American Mah Jongg tiles frequently attributed to either Monobridge or Rottgames. The two makers used remarkably similar artwork, including a signature One Dot and related flower designs, and unmarked examples remain a source of spirited debate among collectors.
Monobridge is generally thought to be the earlier manufacturer or distributor, known for its high-quality Bakelite and Catalin sets. Rottgames, associated with William Rott, later produced mah jongg sets and combination game cases featuring many of the same design elements. Because neither name appears on this case, we are presenting the attribution cautiously as Monobridge/Rottgames.
The set includes all 144 original tiles. Eight well-matched orphan tiles have been added and outfitted with joker stickers, bringing the set to the 152 tiles needed for modern American Mah Jongg play. The additions blend remarkably well in color, size, and age and will be shown face down with the original tiles in the listing photographs. The tiles are in great playable condition. One of the Two Dots shows a small sliver of tile missing at the corner (please see photos).
Unlike hand-carved tiles, these designs were heat-stamped using a heated die that impressed the artwork directly into the Catalin. This process produced smooth, recessed designs with exceptional consistency across matching tiles.
The collection includes:
144 original Catalin tiles
Eight well-matched orphan tiles with joker stickers
Original case with fitted tile trays
Four burgundy marbled Mah-Lowe racks
One pair of dice
Tile size: 21.86 mm × 31.31 mm × 12.07 mm
The four burgundy marbled racks are stamped Mah-Lowe. Their metal ends show age-related pitting, which is frequently seen on surviving examples, but all four racks remain stable, functional, and free of sharp edges.
The original faux-leather case is structurally sound but shows extensive cosmetic wear. Much of the underlying wood structure is visible along one side. The handle, hinges, lining, and fitted tile trays remain functional. It is a good original case that has simply lived a long and well-used life.
We do not know this set’s individual ownership history or whether the Mah-Lowe racks were originally paired with the tiles. What remains is a beautiful, fully playable example from the early boom years of American mah jongg, complete with extraordinary pumpkin-colored Catalin and one of the most recognizable sparrows in vintage tile collecting.
Tiles
36 Craks
36 Dots
36 Bams
4 Red Dragons
4 Green Dragons
4 While Dragons (Soap)
16 Winds
8 Flower Tiles
8 Well-Matched Orphan Tiles with Joker Stickers
We do our very best to photograph and disclose every notable condition detail so there are no surprises. The photographs in this listing have not been digitally altered.
Vintage Mah Jongg sets were made to be played. They acquire patina, gentle wear, and evidence of lives well lived around the table. Those marks are not imperfections to us. They're part of the story each set carries.
If you're searching for factory perfection, this probably isn't the right purchase. But if you appreciate exceptional craftsmanship, remarkable playability, and the opportunity to become the next steward of a beautifully preserved piece of American Mah Jongg history, I think you'll find this set to be something truly extraordinary.
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