Geordies Liggies

Hi Ron, You are absolutely right, the marbles were purchased on e-bay 18th Dec, from a guy who runs an antique shop 'Antikhandel Bethge' at Bayrische str. 1, 07356 Lobenstein, Deutschland. I had seen the fake marbles which you show above (at least I had seen number 1 and number 4) and reckoned they were fakes as they didn't look right and were given quite a high starting price. Having said that, I would probably have been caught out by the sulphides so I REALLY appreciate your update. The main reason that I thought the two I got might be genuine, was because they were advertised only in the German language and made absolutely no reference to any of the terms which might have resulted in getting a high price for them, such as 'mica' or 'blizzard'. I would have thought that someone selling reproductions as originals would have been aiming to maximize his profit. Ah well, I'll ask Murphy's to withdraw my lot from the sale and cancel the Caribbean cruise. I would really appreciate any members who have, or do in future, come across marbles matching the ones which I bought, to drop me a message. It hasn't worked out too badly, as I have finally got round to posting on Marble Connection, have 2 eye-catching marbles for less than 20GBP and have received advise which may prevent me from being duped on a sulphide. Thanks again and best wishes, Steve

Hi Dan, many thanks for the quick response. The fact that I have come across nothing like this before I exactly why I am seeking opinions from those with more experience. I'm puzzled as to why I cannot find any images anywhere to match these marbles. I know that there is a guy in Bulgaria selling questionable (at very least) marbles, but these don't look to match his work. They costme very little and are without doubt the most 'bling' marbles which I have encountered. 😁 Regards, Steve

Hi. Second post on the site, looking for opinions on the second marble. This was obtained along with marble shown in previous post, and was described as "Large Old Marble ca.33mm with silver shimmer demolition glass RARE". This marble is 33mm diameter, handmade marble. Has an orange and red swirled core, surrounded by an absolute blizzard of mica. The amount of mica is such that the core is visible only from either pole. It has 1 ground pontil, which has not quite flattened the poit at which it was cut from the cane. I cannot see a pontil at the other end, though I can feel a slight irregularity to the touch. There are a few small bubbles among the mica, and two larger bubbles attached to the twisted core. Only similar pics I have been able to locate online are for 'onionskin blizzard' type marbles, but I am not confident that the core could be described as an onionskin (even one with a shrunken core). Again, any and all opinions are valued. Steve.

Many thanks Steph. All systems go, we'll se if mypost rates any replies.

Hi. First real post on the site, so please forgive any errors in etiquette. Just point out my mistakes and I will learn. I have been collecting german handmades for about 10 years. I recently aquired two marbles from an antique dealer in a town about 30 km from Lauscha. The original description of the marble was "Original Great Old marble about 34 mm with silver shimmer demolition glass RARE!", and I managed to buy both for a reasonable price. I was quite excited when they arrived, as they are unlike any in my collection. After some additional correspondence, the seller tells me that both marbles were found together, beneath the floorboards of a house, during a 'Haushaltsauflösung' (literal translation "budget resolution", Actually a legal term which is the clearance of a dwelling, including related ancillary rooms (basement, attic) by the apartment owner following death, eviction, etc. of tennant). It sounds lika an estate sale in which the house was literally stripped bare. Other than that, he had no additional information. The marbles arrives, and are undoubtedly handmade, but are different to any in my collection, and do not closely match any images I can find online. For this reason, I would appreaciate the views of the Marble Connection community, particularly those specialising in Antique German handmades. The first marble is 35mm diameter, naked, 9 strand latticino (orangey red) with plenty of mica. It appears to have 1 melted pontil and 1 ground pontil. Both are small. There are a small number of bubbles, mainly near the surface. One of the bubbles protrudes slightly from the surface. but has not popped (indicating, I guess, that the marble has not been polished). The glass can appear to have a slightly pink hue, but I think that this is down to the reflection of the twist, by the mica. The marble is pretty spherical, but has one rather flattened area (which does not coincide with either pontil). Hopefully, you will see these in the attached gallery album. That is about it! What do you reckon folks? p.s. I will post details of the second marble soon.

Thanks for the advice Steph. I managed to upload 4 pics of what I believe to be an antiaue german marble. Having just read the marble id page (doh!), I realise that I may need to upload different pics with a more neutral background. Once I create a thread on the marble id section, will I be able to attach the pics from my gallery, or should I just refer other members to check my gallery? All advice vratefully accepted, Steve

Sorry to hear that Steph. I was looking forward to checking it out.

Thanks for the welcome, Hoody, Ann and Steph.

Hello to all members of Marble Connection. My name is Steve, I am 53 years old, and live near in Washington, Tyne and Wear (the ancestral home of George Washington). I started collecting marbles as a youngster, purely for their aesthetic appeal. I left off for a couple of decades, then started again about 10 years ago. My main interest is in German marbles, most of which have been bought on e-bay, although any attractive marble will get my attention. I have recently purchased a couple of marbles on which I would appreciate your expert opinion. I'll post some pics once I get the hang of uploading to the site. I was born about 10 miles from Washington, in Newcastle on Tyne. Locals from this area of the country speak with quite a strong accent and use a lot of dialect words. Local words for marbles are liggies, penkas and boodies. A local song from the Victorian music halls was 'Wor Geordie's lost his liggies', which translates to 'Our George has lost his marbles', which explains my choice of user name. I seem to have rambled on a bit, so I'll just say that I'm pleased to be a member of Marble Connection and look forward to many interesting exchanges with other members. Best regards, Steve