Royal Imported Club “Perching Pheasant” Pink Triple-Layer Lucite Set
Royal Imported Club “Perching Pheasant” Pink Triple-Layer Lucite Set
Likely 1966–1970
Bubblegum-pink Lucite, hand-carved pheasants, and coordinating Catalin racks make this Royal Imported Club set an absolute showstopper. Even before we begin piecing together its history, it is easy to understand why these richly detailed mid-century sets remain so sought after by collectors.
The interior of the original Bel-Eire imported linen case bears the Royal Imported Club and Depth Control Colorfast markings. Royal was produced by A&L Manufacturing, the Brooklyn company founded by Alphonse and Lucky Lodato that would later become Crisloid.
The triple-layer Lucite tiles feature bubblegum-pink backs carved with the design collectors often call the Perching Pheasant. The backs remain remarkably consistent in color, with little to no variation across the set.
The deeply engraved and hand-painted tile faces are believed to have been carved in Hong Kong and finished in the United States. During this period, American manufacturers frequently relied upon Hong Kong’s skilled carvers for the intricate characters, birds, and flowers found on imported sets. A&L’s “Colorfast” and “Depth Control” markings referred to the inks and painting process used to fill those carvings.
The set originally included six carved jokers and two blanks, which helps us date it to approximately 1966–1970, during the transition to the eight-joker American mah jongg set. DiDi Gallo of Red Coin Mah Jong later transformed the two blanks into beautifully coordinating jokers, giving the set the eight jokers used in modern National Mah Jongg League play.
The flower tiles contain some repeated numbers rather than a traditional sequential run. However, all eight flowers are present and fully suitable for NMJL play.
The collection includes:
152 carved tiles
Eight carved jokers, including two later carved by DiDi Gallo
Original Bel-Eire imported linen case
Four Catalin racks with coordinating Catalin “e” stoppers
One pair of dice
Approximate Tile size: 21.65 mm × 30.91 mm × 13.22 mm
All 152 tiles are playable, with no cracks, chips, loose layers, or damaged carvings. Some Lucite faces show age-related yellowing or discoloration, most noticeable when the tiles are placed side by side. This is common among sets from this period and does not affect play. The case, racks, stoppers, and dice are all in great vintage condition.
We cannot confirm whether every accessory was originally sold with these tiles, but the set presents beautifully as a complete vintage collection. Its vivid pink backs, hand-carved pheasants, substantial tiles, and coordinating Catalin racks make it an extraordinary example of mid-century American Mah Jongg.
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 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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