Per the catalog page reproductions in the back of "Antique Gambling Chips," there were engraved and embossed clay composition poker chips from as early as 1880. The monarch mold is embossed. Many of the earliest catalogs seem to show the monarch mold. That mold is first mentioned by name in the 1900 Harris catalog. I wonder how long the elks lodge #672 has been in Pasadena. Thanks for the comments.
Robert