Ric

This is my favorite marble game, Lambs in the Pit. It was released with an advertising blitz just in time for Independence Day, 1891. I have never seen another example. Here is a transcription of the label: 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, Patentee 2706 N. Broad St, Philadelphia I added the marbles and the "cue", which were missing when I found it. It's way more challenging than it looks!

It looks Akro to me. And Alan makes a great point. Sometimes it's important to get real close up, if you're trying to show some fine internal structure or are being "artistic", perhaps. But I like the marbles that show on the screen to be more reasonably sized too - if it's more than a couple of times as big as it is in real life, it's just unnecessary, IMO, and it detracts from reality. And the great thing about digital images, is that you can enlarge them if you like. I try to take reasonably sized photos at a resolution that balances quality and file size (not every one has a fast or unlimited data connection). That way they can be enlarge a bit and still look good, if someone wants to see the marble 4X actual size. That's my 2 cents. 🙂 This is as small as I could make your photo without significant processing, and I think it looks better. Of course, that's just my opinion.

Thanks for taking the time to check it out. This old game looks new. It seems like the marbles would have been stored under that cardboard prior to sale. And if the cardboard has ever been removed, I am surprised someone took the time to put it back in place, since It doesn't really seem to serve any purpose. Have you ever had the cardboard out? Do you think the marbles might still be in there? It's a very cool game. I did some poking around and saw a few other pics of the game online - none of them had the cardboard in place, at least where I could tell.

How about a feathered patch?

I'll bet kids would have wanted shoelaces that were associated with marbles!

Vito Anti-Blackies

I'd say so. You're starting to get good at this!

Nice, I have never seen one like it. It looks to be in excellent condition. Is there anything on the back? Just to be sure, I am referring to the second board you posted - surely, it's metal of some sort - any markings on it?

Nice Hop Ching Board (by Pressman). I have one, but I haven't seen many with the box. Do you know who made the tin one?

Do you think these were from when Berry Pink (The Marble King) was still jobbering marbles and not actually producing any of his own? Two-sided Ohio Arts Tin Litho Checkers Board (with marbles and wooden checkers - made in Japan - found in it). I have heard the marbles referred to as "Mt. Fujis".

The hybrid Cat's Eyes are great - sorta underappreciated, IMO. Vitro Blackies:

NIce bags, Al - every header is different, and I hadn't seen the Cat's Eyes before. If it was a "Marble King" mesh bag with Chinese Checker marbles it was probably one of Pink's jobber bags from a time before Marble King actually made marbles. In fact, I can't recall seeing a mesh bag with Marble King marbles in it (although, my memory is not what it used to be, either). Have you ever seen MK marbles in a mesh bag? Al? Marble King Chinese Checkers Poly Bag: I decided it's probably a good idea to add some "key words" with pictures for searching's sake!

For starters, the first two photos are the same so another view might be helpful. I think #2 is Akro, #4 may be Pelt and #5 is a MK Double Ribbon. #6 may be a Champion. I think you called the others!

Tommy, The blue on yellow MKs you show are called Cubscouts. If the ribbons were green they would be Girlscouts. 🙂

Just a gate I made a few years back.

The green augers are great mibs!

Not necessarily odd, but I don't think these are common. I'll have to find it and take better pics.

It is amazing how well some of the old stuff holds up. I found another: Chinese Checker Glass Marbles Poly Bag

Hop Ching Game Marbles Mesh Bag

Alley wink cups

Chad, I am sorry you have trouble getting them when you want them! Some decent TriColors - 11/16"

Scarlett O'Hara Marble Game Rosenthal Jumpo Marblo Marble Game

Thanks for the pics, Al. One thing is for sure, the intensity of the color on some of those old veneered Wales marbles is outstanding, like the red, blue and yellow in that first bag.

I agree that equating "modern" with "poor glass" is probably not helpful. Some modern marbles have very good glass quality. The glass quality for some of the Jabos, DAS and SMMs is excellent, but they tend to command a premium price relative to marbles that are mass produced so they can be sold cheaply and still provide a reasonable return. Of course, the balance of expense, quality and sales numbers, is a calculation that most manufacturers work to optimize, regardless of their product. Collectability is an entirely different thing. It generally has to do with rarity, eye appeal and condition. The marble you posted above does look newer (maybe Jabo) and if you compare that white to the formula white batch-made glass in a good old marble, it doesn't even come close.

I agree, good looking groups!