First rule: photograph everything in place before rearranging or cleaning it.
1. The whole object
□ Box, case, trays, closures
□ Labels, stamps, handwriting
□ Rule books and ephemera
□ Accessories and racks
2. The inventory
□ Suits and honors counted
□ Flowers / seasons recorded
□ Jokers / blanks recorded
□ Dice, counters, wind marker
3. Tile construction
□ One piece or laminated
□ Backs: color and texture
□ Dimensions and weight
□ Carved, engraved, printed
4. Condition
□ Cracks, chips, warping
□ Odor, stickiness, residue
□ Color change or crazing
□ Previous repairs
What not to do
Do not use a hot pin, flame, harsh solvent, bleach, oil, wax, or abrasive as an identification shortcut. A visual description may remain provisional—and that is better than damaging the object or exposing yourself to a hazardous material.
Your next move
Read the full identification field note, continue through the research path, or use object triage if you found damage or active deterioration.