Steph

Got Brian Bowden's current list so that will give me many more names. They're sorted alphabetically by first name though, so it may take me a bit to collate.

Here's a thread on Aces: http://marbleconnection.com/topic/17380-akro-aces-early-1930s Here's a Moss Agate thread which I only meant to be for the patch-style marbles, but I added a new post with some swirl/cork info at post #9: http://marbleconnection.com/topic/7863-moss-agate-type-marbles/

Okay, if anyone would like to add examples of the swirly/corky Moss Agates, they're welcome here now. As noted, I had intended to keep this thread about patches, but I need a thread to link to for the swirly/corky Moss Agate discussions. I'd have to put a little bit of effort into gathering the advertising evidence for the existence of swirly Moss Agates. It's out there though. For example in one ad, Moss Agates are described as having "exquisite patterns". Patches wouldn't be described as having "exquisite patterns". It's a little confusing since the description is next to a photo of a patch. But Akro ads did a lot of cutting and pasting. Old descriptions with new pics. Old pics with new descriptions. I've gathered a lot of it together before, but I can't remember where I put it. When I find it, I'll add it to this thread. In the meantime, here is a sample box of Moss Agates with salesman's price label affixed:

I have a couple of links. I need to do an update on one. I'll post 'em here soon.

Gonna go with Chinese handmade.

Could be a Chinese handmade. At least that's my only guess for now.

Thanks! Added.

here we go http://marbleconnection.com/topic/12733-acme-realers/?p=108127

That one is a beauty.

I think that's these guys: http://www.mibbage.com/consignments.htm

Thanks I'm starting to really want to say Vitro on it! But if it has, say, six ribbons, and if they can be interpreted as being red, red, yellow on one side, and yellow, red, red on the other, then that could be a K&M, right? Can you squint and see six ribbons?

Neato neato neato neato neato neato

Now I'm going to ask a big favor. Can we have a photo of it with some other marbles? It's so bright, I'm not sure I'm seeing all the colors and textures right. With a few other marbles in the picture, I might be more sure about the visual cues. Until you said 7/8", I started wondering if it could be a Vitro Superior. I don't know if they made Superiors that big.

Got 'em all I think. Is R. S. Topp actually Robert and Shirley Topp?

Good chance. May we see the cutlines head on?

I understand the appeal of calling it an Ace. Ace is such a catchy name. Back in the old days, "Moss Agate" actually meant something special, but now people think Moss Agates are "just patches". And the desire for a spiffy name remains. So I understand why Ace caught on and why it sticks.

Handgathered but a little sloppy? (no offense meant by "sloppy") Yeah, that makes Akro a good guess. IMO.

With the bright light, I can't see into the marble. Can't see the details of any clear or wisps. Is that a documented popeye color combo? In my opinion, it doesn't matter how much white or wisp it has if there is reason to believe that it was truly a marble from a Tri-Onyx run. Something could have no clear but if there's reason to believe it was meant to then I call it a Popeye. Why do you have reservations? That's not more cornflower is it? Do you think the dark band was an accident? Could there be mossy glass instead of clear deep inside?

Thank you, Ron! When I get that done, I'll feel like I accomplished something today! I agree with you and Alan that a signature database would be great .... along with examples of their work.

Feel free to add your own faves. I'm sure I'll have more to add but I'm blanking right now.

Which camera did you use? ... do you look like a photojournalist when you're off on your assignments? ....

I don't think I've seen any of her early work. Earliest I recall is Auntie Mame from 1958. And then 8 years later as a nun in a Hayley Mills movie. Edit: Nope, I've seen His Girl Friday ... I think I have that on the shelf ... should watch again ... though she wasn't going for glamour there.