Everyone remembers playing with marbles as children. Many different games were played and many marbles were both won and lost. Many are the stories of the neighborhood champions and where there are winners, there are always the losers who lament their lost marbles but usually in good, clean fun. And how many kids put their marbles in sling shot, and literally threw them away? The smart ones saved their cans, jars, and bags of marbles. Some people have had marbles handed down to them by Grandma and Grandpa which could date them back to the 1800's. And their worth? Anywhere from $.05 to up into the thousands! Marbles have been dated back to at least the first century AD and have shown up at archeological digs in many places showing marbles to have been made up of the same glass or clay used in making housewares for the home or jewelry to be worn. There are 4 categories of marbles. These categories are hand-made, transition, machine-made, and contemporary marbles. Handmade marbles were made during the 1800's up to before World War I. Some of these marbles are called German Swirl, Latticinos, Onionskins, Lutzes, Clambroths, Gooseberries, Sulphides (marbles made of glass with small figures in them,) and many more. Then there are the Transition marbles. These marbles were partially made in a machine, but had to be cut off manually leaving a pontil at one end of the marble. Machine-made marbles are, of course, marbles made by machines. There are many colors and patterns that have produced such names as Flames, Corkscrews, Popeyes, 7-Ups, Rainbows, Watermelons, Cub Scouts, Bumblebees, Supermen, Slags, and a very popular one people look for, ox-bloods. We all know the common marbles such as Cat-eyes, Clearies, and Aggies. There are just too many more to name. Contemporary marbles are new marbles made by hand and are considered to be an art form. Although some of them seem to have many of the patterns of the old handmades, they are not meant to be a reproduction of them. Some non-collectors buy them simply because of their beauty. What determines their worth? Size, colors, patterns, condition, limited production, and of course, demand. Fewer large marbles were made which puts them into the limited category giving them a little more worth than their normal-sized relatives. To the other extreme are the peewees (1/2” or under) and also makes them worth a little more. Colors always add to the eye appeal of any collector. The number of colors, the brightness of the color, or their unique patterns all help to catch the attention in different ways depending on your particular likes or dislikes. One color can change a marble from an inexpensive marble to one more costly. Example: a common red and blue marble made by the Peltier Company can be changed to a 'Superman' with the added color of yellow, thus raising it's worth. Condition is a determining factor as in any collectible. The better it's condition, the higher value. Age is not always a factor as the appeal may not be there due to color, pattern, etc. The rarity of a marble puts it into the limited category, meaning that some types of marbles were made more than others. Example: Ox-Bloods made by Akro Agate as compared to Cat-Eyes made in abundance by many companies for many years and are still being made. Rarity also creates a demand. Limited production of a marble might lure a collector into buying one just to add to his collection whether or not he normally collects that particular style. How do you learn about marbles? Marble collectors are always glad to help a beginner. There are several books on the market with excellent information. There are also marble clubs to join who get together and share information, have trading sessions, and offer many benefits to learning. SO----GET out there, FIND your marbles, and HAVE FUN!

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