Ric

I've certainly seen similar patterns on Alleys. Is the base light blue?

Transparent swirls are tough to ID, especially when there's not a lot to go on. It does look old to me though.

Still not sure what this is.

I get it, Ann.

I like the script V's.

If I were addicted to soap I'd be clean. Soap addicts are clean.

Man, tough crowd. Ann, I'll bet some art historians are lumpers too when it comes to categorizing styles and such. Don't some tend to include a broader range of examples in a particular category than others do?

Very nice, Chuck. I didn't know you had such talent. See you in a couple of weeks!

I do think calligraphy originally described a more universal Alley characteristic.

Not a bad idea, Steph, but I think the wire-pull definition needs to be more specific out of necessity. If the base on a wirepull wasn't clear you couldn't see the 'wire' pattern. Here's a transluscent peewee - just because this is . . . 'Mostly Pix'.

I get your point, Ann, especially on these particular examples. But imagine taking your favorite calligraphy and turning the base clear. I just don't see how changing the base glass changes the pattern from a calligraphy type to something else, especially if the striping patterns are correct for a calligraphy. If we say they have to have an opaque base we narrow the definition from what I think it originally described - a pattern, not a color (or lack of color) combination, and I'm a lumper, not a splitter. lol

I can definitely see it, Bob. I think it might have something to do with catching the leaves when the individuals have multiple colors - sort of makes it 'wash' together. It really is nice - you did great!

Nice twist!

Champion Agates header stapled over a Penny King header . . .

25 Champion Agates Mesh Bag

I was happy to find this 20 count Penny King bag with Champion Agates, including a few metallic marbles.

Jolly Green Giant

It seemed like this thread could use another pic.

You must like the one in the center of that last shot. But what about overhead transparencies - remember those? lol

I think 'calligraphy' started out as a way to describe a characteristic trait of many Alley marbles. It seems to have evolved over time to exclude many less busy examples.