To begin with this is a heavy set, 7 pounds in the box. The box measures 11 1/4" x 7 3/4" x 2", it's made of wood and the corners are reinforced with metal, the top slides open.  The tiles measure  1  3/8"  x  1"  x  3/8" , they are made of man made stone ( a formula including quartz sand, chalk and linseed oil) and have very detailed paintings on the face.  At one time I thought they were decals but I have done some work on a couple of tiles and actually discovered it's not paper. This set came with a booklet that measures 8 1/2"  x  5 1/2", it has 6 pages (printed on both sides) and it is in very delicate condition. The label on the front of this set is in very poor condition and so is the label on the inside of the lid.  The inside label shows a picture of all of the tiles and explains what they are.   The wind tiles are very politically incorrect but interesting from a historical point of view.

I bought this complete set of 148 tiles from England, from the family that purchased it 80 years ago, they have not played with it in 30 years and decided to sell it.  Thanks John!!  I am very proud to offer this set a home on this side of the ocean ~ and treasure it. Sets with this label were sold exclusively by a company in England, there is also an identical set with a different label, that bears the name of the manufacturer,   "Anker"  which is the trademark for the German company,   F. Ad. Richter & Co AG.  There is a fascinating history that goes with this company which began in the late 1800s.   They have made building block sets out of the same material for a hundred years and they are still in production,  please follow a link to their web site and have a look.  Vintage building sets are highly sought after.  I managed to get one of the instruction books for one of the block sets at a reasonable price.  Richter & Co. Site

Before you email me,  the "wind" tiles are described as "race" tiles, they represent the four corners of the earth, North- a Laplander, South - an African, East- an Asian and West - a Native American.  The 4 red tiles with the winds on them are position tiles (same as wind disks in traditional bone and bamboo sets).  Instead of numbers on the flower tiles there are 2 directions.  

In researching this company I have come across the name of the man who traveled to China for the company to research the game. Other sets were made and sold under the "F. Ad. Richter & Co AG" name but were nothing like these stone sets.  Stay tuned for updates on this.

I have scanned the booklet and the labels from this set and am currently trying to restore them.  I think they will make great posters.