1931 Rikishi 4 Set

    Description:  This is the earliest known sumo menko set and is one of the smallest menko sets ever produced.  This is the beginning of the "human" or Rikishi series of menko sets.  This set is quite plain in terms of variety.  The kesho-mawashi are all generic as well as are the backs.  It appears there was some attempt to change the facial features from menko to menko, but beyond that all the menko are quite similar in appearance.  This set was manufactured before the Shunjuuen Accident, where many rikishi dissolved from the Sumo Association demanding reforms.  If you can get you hands on any of these menko from this set, they are a rare treat.  This set has Tamanishiki featured before his Yokozuna years and is extremely rare!

    Company: Unknown                                                 Availability: Extremely Rare

    Card Size: 1.00" x 1.50"                                           Card Material:  Thick, paper stock 

     # of Cards in set: 5+                                                 Packaging: Sheets

    Key Cards:  Ozeki Tamanishiki (Future 32nd Yokozuna)

    Winner Stamp Description: N/A 

    Front Design:  This set features a drawing of the rikishi in a generic kesho-mawashi.  The rikishi's shikona is along the middle of their kesho mawashi.  Kanji reads right to left. 

   Back Design:  A drawing of the rikishi's back appears on the back of the menko.  A gunbai with a 4 digit fighting number appears in the middle as well as a various small pictures in the middle of a flower outline.  Backs are printed in blue or brown ink.

Banzuke Checklist						Numerical Checklist
Rank	Shikona	Fighting #	Front	Back		Rank	Shikona	Fighting #
Yokozuna						Sekiwake	Tenryu	8760
Ozeki	Tamanishiki	5610				Maegashira	Nishikinada	7890
						Juryo	Komanishiki	7890
						Ozeki	Tamanishiki	5610
						Maegashira	Yoshinoyama	3210
Sekiwake	Tenryu	8760
Komusubi
Maegashira	Yoshinoyama	3210
Maegashira	Nishikinada	7890
Juryo	Komanishiki	7890