Ric

I think Steph said it well. Bill and Ron must be out chasing marbles.

Maybe just generic orbs for whatever purpose. I am sure craftsmen, designers, artists and other creative people could think of uses. But at 1", they are not really that big. So their use as toys seems in the realm of possibility, at least. They do look to be made from some pretty attractive stone and they seem to be packaged as three "matched" sets of four marbles in a box so . . . ? I would play with them.

A bit of Americana, released on Monday 29 June, 1891 - just in time for the 4th of July. I added the clays and use a thin dowel for a cue. Solving it is a challenge. I think the original cue was probably thin and flat, and laid diagonally in pockets for storage in the box. This is the only one like it I have seen. Has anyone else seen one? LAMBS IN THE PIT GET 'EM OUT THE MOST FASCINATING GAME PUZZLE OUT DIRECTIONS: Hold the box level and by use of the cue ONLY, put the marbles up in the 4 corner pockets. PRICE, 10 CTS M. W. TAYLOR, Pantentee 2706 N. Broad St, Philadelphia

Yup, just an odd Rainbo with a tight fold. They are not too uncommon, and sometimes the "V"s are so nice they look Vitro-ish.

I would have it with my Alleys, for sure.

I think the base glass for Bruisers can vary quite a bit from dark translucent green to near opaque black. I am not sure about amber, although I do recall a JABO that can sometimes be mistaken for a Bruiser. Unfortunately, I don't remember the details.

Me too, Dude.

Is that a single-facet pontil? lol.

Me too.

Dandy Euros!

They are really nice, and I certainly cannot positively ID them. But I lean toward the "maybe a little too good to be true" sentiments.

Skyler, You are about two hours from the Indianapolis Show, which is usually held in early January. I am a bit further, but I get over around Cincinnati at least a few times a year, and I am always up for looking at marbles!

Ron is a wise man. Notice how he was standing at the limit of his camera's zoom when he shot this. What a great dig . . . so much learned from the effort. It was a dream come true to participate for a few days - very hard work, and a ton of fun, thanks to Bill, Ron and Nola.

Sad news indeed. My condolences to all who grieve his passing.

FWIW, they all look like Akros to me. I got hung up on the "Sparkler" part - not too sure about that.

Rich, So original makers did not just fire polish the pontil, but the whole marble? Am I understanding you correctly?

The mib looks like a Tiger Eye variant to me. Is it veneered on transparent base glass?

That is a nice group, Winnie, and an artsy photo too. I really like the golden yellow striped one left of center.

Hmmm . . . The colors are Interesting. The pontil does look like it may have been ground - not faceted though. Early German does seem like a good possibility.

It sure seems like it is a product of a chemical in the glass (maybe one or more colorants) and particular soil conditions, perhaps pH, or some other chemical in the soil. The particular environment of the soil and/or the time the marble has in contact with it might explain the variations.

"pretty exclusive" . . . Do any dug Peltiers without AV show it? I think only a chemical analysis would convince me it's any different than the similar "abalone", "metallic sheen", or "irridesence", or whatever you want to call it, that I've seen on other dug marbles. It's definitely not worth arguing about though, that's for sure. Here's a variety ranging from "sheen" to "metal" Sorry for the crappy pic.

I have seen similar on quite a few dug Alleys, in a variety of colors. On those marbles, it does not seem to be associated with aventurine - more like a chemical reaction with some colorant in the glass. I do not think I have seen it on white or clear.

That is good news, Ron. Thanks for the update.

Since I am feeling lazy, I will simply intuit that "C" is the correct answer and ask others to prove me wrong. lol.

Ron, I am really sorry to hear about George. If you have an opportunity, please be sure to give him my best wishes too. I was really looking forward to seeing you both in Kokomo. In addition, I would like to nominate the above for understatement of the year. -Ric