Royal3

Mr. Bahr also states in the referenced video that said Atmosphere marbles can be had for around $50. I’d put that stray “handmade” tag in the same bin as that estimate, given the machine-making skills and production mindset of the Vacor folks.

Thank you for your post, and for sharing memories of your late brother. I was lucky enough to know Les through numerous marble shows and events for over a decade. His presence alone almost guaranteed a good turnout since most everyone knew Les had the biggest and best selections, or at least something unique and interesting. Even at auctions his truck’s tailgate was a hot spot for collectors. He had a larger than life personality to match his big frame and booming voice, but in the quiet moments he was a gentler soul, too. I had a chance to play a few hands of poker with him and a couple of other marble collectors while hanging around for an auction, and found he was a lot of fun “after hours.” His death was a huge loss for all of us in the marble community. Best wishes to you and all of your family. - Royal

My best CAC - it walked into a Columbus show, and I wouldn’t let its owner leave until we had a deal😉

This is no doubt the best way, but afaik the closest marble show (by auto) to the OP is the Ohio show in Canton, about 3 hours away. The Ohio winter show was just held a couple of months ago, and while there’s usually a summer show I’ve not seen one posted yet: https://www.marblecollecting.com/marble-community/marble-show-calendar/ It can be very difficult to grasp the nuances of these spheres without having examples in hand. I would highly recommend at least one visit of at least a day or two to a well-attended show if you’re at all serious about this hobby. Side benefits - it’s a helluva lot of fun, you will meet some great people, and see some marbles that will both inspire you…and blow your mind.

That makes three of us.

I’d put that one with my Akro slags.

Last time I tried that link it was kaput, unfortunately. The most comprehensive website for identifying contemporary spheres that I currently know of is Brian Bowden’s offering: https://www.pbase.com/bkbowden/marblesforsale&gcmd=add_comment He may also be very interested in obtaining some of your items.

I’ve had this beauty for a long while - it was 😍 at first sight. It’s an early Akro, 13/16”+ mint:

Inspired and talented? Oh my yes - 40 days annealing! I hadn’t seen that vid or those huge globes, Alan, and they are truly remarkable creations (as are all of Josh’s other works, frankly.)

Ric, I eventually did find a mint one at a marble show many years later after a LOT of searching - and it wasn’t cheap, but it and the damaged one both still have homes here since I think dad loved that one, too.

The Joker boys (L to R Jim King, the late Ed Parsons, Kevin Plummer, the late Dave McCullough of JABO, and Rick Hall) ready to dive into the first ‘J.E.R.K’ run after it cooled overnight: Not quite the holy grail all of us were seeking - gold lutz - but these early ones were tantalizingly close.

I feel your pain Nickel Guy - one of the favorite corks I found in my dad’s old Akro #200 box was this flawed beauty: Being a complete novice at that point I thought I’d just find a mint example of it, no problem. Silly me lol.

Solid ‘candle’ core swirl

This 7/8” mint faceted pontil onion is still my favorite - I’ve not seen another like it. I’ve always called it Io for it’s tortured, boiling hot looking glass, frozen forever…