CHarli's Mah Jong Museum  -  Chinese Bakelite

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710
960
1825
169
029
482
1825
583
658
1855
837
1943
050
1882
770
206
662
575
639
1346
1190
654
768
103
1036
1609
985
1236
975
457
338
817
1293
1966
           
 

 

Chinese Bakelite is an "affectionate" term given certain sets by many collectors. These sets test positive to the typical "home" test like that other bakelite and catalin tiles.  However, there are quite a few differences -- Chinese Bakelite has cellulose in the formula,  after sanding these tiles down I have personally observed a "stringy" residue after sanding.  Another major difference in these tiles is that they are carved not "Hot Pressed" like the more common Bakelite and Catalin tiles.  The designs can be very intricate and delicate.  When you look closely at these tiles you will see the edges are often very sharp, the only exception to that are the tiles called "pillow tiles", which have obvious curved edges. 

I hope you enjoy the sets I have up and I will be adding more information to help you differentiate these tiles from others.

 

2011