SNYD

Your RAR reminded me of a great time years ago. We had a group, Ron Shepherd (RIP), Bill McCaleb(RIP), Nola Morgan, Dave Becker and I called "RARS". It stood for "Rare Alley Recovery Squad. It was so much fun competing at shows to see who could find the rarest Alley. The rule we followed was, If you set it down and your fingers are not touching the marble it was up for grabs. So many times, one of us would look at a marble but were not quite sure and put it back. Ron eagle eye Shepherd would have it in his hand, and it was sold. It was so much fun when we all were in a room at the same time, like chickens picking feed. Sure do miss them days and those guys. Anyhow, many of those marbles came from back in that time period.

They are HTF almost like Carnivals. I trade Ron Shepherd for these two a long time ago.

A few Alleys found through the years

A few of the Alley collection found through the years.

This is such a sad thing, but also I want to pass along that Ron loved the farm and his hobby was taking care of it and making it look as nice as possible. This was what he was doing just prior to his passing. His wish was to pass away in his childhood home / farm which did happen. The weekend before he was at a marble show doing what he also loved. So, as we are saddened by this, we must remember he was doing what he liked to do. He was happy. His last wish was to be placed to rest at the cemetery at the farm, which he redid and was very proud of it. It is a great final resting place as he will forever look over the farm from the hilltop. To my buddy RIP.

Mr. Ron Shepherd has passed away this evening. He was such a huge influence to the hobby and will be so sadly missed.

I have not heard that. It would be hard to think they were used by kids to play marbles. I would be surprised they could hold this monster in their hand and be able to do anything with it but throw it.

I was on a road trip and stopped at a local antique store in a small Pa town about two hours from my home. This shop looked like it was an old gas station, pretty small for an antique store. But you never know. I did find three Alley woodland camos and some others. As I was paying, they told me of a guy who had just stopped to see if they wanted to buy some marbles. I got his number called him and met up with him. I was hoping for the magic Alley find of super Alleys. Well, once again no Alleys. there were a number of good pelts and some masters and a few Christensens. I was surprised that most were in really nice shape. I told the guy that I was not interested. As I was leaving walking down his walkway, he yelled that he forgot a box that had some big marbles. So, I went back and looked in the box, there were about six handmades from 1 1/2 down to 1". They were a little rough for me. There was a really big MFC Slag, 1 57/64", real close to 2". I looked it over, not bad a couple small chips and some play ware. I made an offer and he jumped on it. I am not into them so I guess it will end up at a show for sale. Here is a couple pics, one has a 5/8 marble next to it for size comparison. Glad I followed up, but still wished there were Alleys instead.The lady at the store called today and gave me another name and phone number to call about marbles. Man, another long drive in the future, I hope!

Great score Chuck. A big selection for sure. Glad you had a good time.

The box is made from an old chicken coop from WV. My buddy Ron Shepherd tore an old chicken coop down on his farm. It was a chicken coop from when he was young. I left the outside rough and original and just sanded the inside. They are nice. I made him some so he could enjoy the memories of back then when he looks at his marbles.

I missed the Saturday posting, I fell asleep after the drive home from Canton. So I will share it today....Here is a real nice mint slag I found on the way home from the Canton show. It is 1 1/4".

Top row, center marble is a Bloody Halloween, some folks call it Pheonix Fire. Second row, third marble to right is an exotic coral. The rest are or have no names. You will find with Alley marbles that most of the really eye catching, wow factor marbles do not have names. Some people feel that they have to name marbles for some reason, to me it does not need a name if it has eye appeal and I like it.

This was a really great show. Spent time with so many good marbling friends and we had some spectacular dinners. If you are in the area or go to Canton show next year, hit up Mission BBQ and Quaker Steak & Lube, I was shocked withe the steak I got, best I have had in a long time. Anyhow Thanks to all of you great folks for such a memorable time. Here are some pics of what followed me home.

I have two watercolors. One from Edger E West. He lived 1857 to 1892. One from Edwin Lamasure he lived 1866 to 1916. How do I find out if they are worth anything or go to Salvation Army?

Ron is 100% correct. I usually do not contact people on Ebay but it was going for a high cost and there were lots of bidders. But others I have contacted get really ugly really quick. I do not recommend it unless you're willing to get bashed. Oh, yes, you will most likely get blocked or banned from the seller. Don't get me wrong, there have been some unknowledgeable folks that have been very gracious. NOT MANY!