bumblebee

Both remind me of Vitro, especially the second one, a larger Tri-Lite.

@wvrons, those are really nice looking. I was curious do you know whether the agates in the claws have any flat spots ground on to them to make them fit better? Once and a while I find an agate with a flat spot and wonder whether it had been removed from a piece like this.

An article on collecting marbles from 1971 with some interesting content, in particular the mention of black or carnelian agates being rejected jewelry pieces that received their facets based on how long they spent between grinding stones in the mill. I had not heard that one before although I had heard the best round agates were used for jewelry or display pieces rather than marbles. They also mention "glass blowers" imitating real agates in the 1930s. Also, @hdesousa would find this interesting. They mention the most expensive marble, the Taw: "It was made and used in the middle to late 1700's, and is known to be pink with dark red veins running through it. It's value has not been determined but would possibly run into thousands or dollars."

Welcome, Bill!

Here's a great shot of the Vitro Agate veneering on a Tiger Eye that lost its "cap".

Tried to backlight some Vitros with a 35mm negative viewer along with lots of side sunlight. Sort of worked!

"Poetry for Neanderthals" was silly fun with my children. In the right mood I think adults could totally enjoy it. Maybe after a beer or two. Basically you have to describe concepts or scenarios with just one-syllable words and it can be surprisingly challenging and hilarious.

Just scored another unusual hand-faceted agate. This 5/8" has what looks like a moss agate bullseye. Have not seen one like this before. Too bad it has taken such a beating on the top but I imagine this one battled its way into many pockets.

Up to $75 now...

Well, the marbles could be vintage but newly hand-painted, or the paint could be vintage and the marbles could be new.

Do I smell new paint or are my Spidey senses off? https://www.ebay.com/itm/284721125854

Wow! So hard to find biggies...love me Masters with lots of clear glass.

Here's a few killers. The Tiger Eye is 0.72" and wet mint. Took a while to find one!

This one is minty and a tad over 11/16 (0.69"). Some call it a Popeye, or a Blue Popeye, or a Black Popeye, or a Moss Agate, or a Really Dark Blue Egg Yolk Sort of Not Really, or just a Corkscrew. I call it a Score!

I have quite a few in my big "placeholder" jug. Some actually are not bad at all, like that biggie in the top right.

PDF also attached. 1911-06 Brick and Clay Record vol 38.pdf