Royal Brand Catalin American Mah Jongg Set
Royal Brand by Crisloid American Mah Jongg Set
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Likely Early 1970s
Some mahjong sets arrive with complete histories. Others leave behind clues that allow us to piece together their story. This beautiful Royal Brand by Crisloid set falls into the latter category.
Acquired from the estate of a longtime mahjong enthusiast, this set was one of several Royal and Crisloid collections owned by its previous steward, suggesting a genuine appreciation for the quality and craftsmanship of these iconic American manufacturers. We are honored to be only the second steward of this remarkable set.
This collection appears to have been produced during the transition from A&L Manufacturing to Crisloid, likely made sometime in the early 1970s. The exterior of the box bears a Crisloid label, while the interior carries a Royal Brand by Crisloid label, placing it within a fascinating period in American Mah Jongg manufacturing after Crisloid acquired the Royal Brand from A&L Manufacturing.
One of the first things you'll notice when you pick up these tiles is their feel. While unmistakably Catalin, they have an unusually smooth, dense surface with a remarkable sheen that is unlike most Catalin sets I've handled. They almost feel more like polished resin than traditional Catalin. They shuffle effortlessly, stack beautifully, and have a substantial, satisfying weight in the hand. Simply put, they don't make them like this anymore.
The tiles feature a rich caramel-orange face paired with beautifully uniform backs. Unlike many vintage Catalin sets, these tiles show no evidence of shrinkage, warping, stress crazing, or hairline cracking. They remain exceptionally straight, making them a pleasure to stack and play.
Unlike earlier Royal sets that relied on additional flower tiles for American Mah Jongg, this collection includes eight original carved joker tiles, making it fully compatible with modern National Mah Jongg League play without modification.
One of my favorite aspects of this set is its flower collection. Included are five of the traditional botanical flower tiles—the Plum Blossom (Méi), Orchid (Lán), two Chrysanthemums (Jú), and Bamboo (Zhú). Collectively known as the Four Gentlemen, these plants have been celebrated for centuries in Chinese painting, poetry, and decorative arts as symbols of the virtues admired in the ideal scholar: resilience, humility, integrity, and perseverance.
The set also retains three of its historical figure tiles: Táo, Shào, and Yǔ. The fourth historical figure is absent, and because these sets originally included additional flower tiles, it is assumed the missing pieces were simply separated from the set over the years and never reunited during the estate settlement.
The original Catalin racks remain in beautiful condition, complete with their original tile separators and functioning coin holders. All four racks sit perfectly flat with no cracks. The case latch operates properly, and while the carrying handle has been replaced, the case itself presents beautifully. The interior lid remains in excellent condition, while the lower portion of the case has been recovered.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Royal Brand by Crisloid
Era: Likely late 1960s to early 1970s
Provenance: Estate acquisition; second known steward
Tile Count: Original Catalin tile set with eight carved jokers
Tile Size: 1.24" high × 0.86" wide × 0.49" deep (shown in listing photos using a digital caliper)
Tile Construction: Single-layer Catalin
Tile Color: Warm caramel-orange faces with uniform backs
Jokers: Eight original carved jokers
Ready for NMJL play
Original Catalin racks with functioning coin holders
Vintage dice included
Original case with replacement handle
Condition
This set has been beautifully preserved for more than fifty years.
No shrinkage or warping
No stress crazing or hairline cracking
No chips or flea bites
Uniform tile color throughout
All racks sit flat
No cracks in the racks
Coin holders function properly
Case latch operates correctly
Interior lid is in excellent condition
Lower case lining has been recovered
Replacement carrying handle
Tiles
36 Craks
36 Dots
36 Bams
4 Red Dragons
4 Green Dragons
4 While Dragons (Soap)
16 Winds
8 Flower Tiles
8 Carved Jokers
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 me—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 Royal Brand by Crisloid set to be something truly extraordinary.
Shipping and insurance are included in the purchase price. Signature confirmation will be required upon delivery.
Please read the Terms & Conditions for Vintage Sales before completing your purchase. You will be asked to acknowledge and accept those terms prior to checkout.
Please read before purchasing.
By checking the terms & conditions box, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
This is a vintage Mah Jongg set and is being sold as-is. This item cannot be returned.
Every effort has been made to accurately describe and photograph the condition of this set. Please review all photographs carefully, as they are part of the description.
Vintage items have lived long lives. They may show evidence of age, use, repairs, patina, small chips, scratches, color variation, or other imperfections consistent with decades of ownership. These characteristics are not considered defects but are part of the history and authenticity of the set.
This is not a brand-new, factory-fresh Mah Jongg set. It’s seen things. It has survived world wars, countless presidents, family game nights, and perhaps even Aunt Martha’s damp basement. That history is part of its charm.
If you’re looking for flawless perfection or intend to inspect every tile under a microscope, this probably isn’t the right purchase for you. If, however, you appreciate craftsmanship, history, and the privilege of becoming the next steward of a remarkable vintage set, welcome. You’re in the right place.
By completing this purchase, you acknowledge that you have reviewed the photographs and description, understand the nature of vintage collectibles, know that the item is sold-as is without returns, and accept the set in its current condition.
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