Alan

Dealers would likely agree to grade a marble for you. I suggest that you ask anyone why grades a marble for you "Why?" it is graded as such. Older, more experienced dealers are likely to be of the most help in this age where seemingly everything is vastly over-graded. The whole purpose of course if for you to learn to accurately grade for yourself. "Teach a man to fish".

Bring your curiosity and a good small flashlight. The room doors will be open days in advance. Walk in, say hi, take your time. ASK QUESTIONS! See it as a learning opportunity more than a buying opportunity. I suggest that you hold on buying until you have visited all of the rooms. Then go back for key buys. It is better to buy one $50. marble than ten, $5. marbles. IMO - the real value of a show is LEARNING. There is so much opportunity to learn because you have the glass IN HAND - not some pic on the Internet with variable lighting, color boosting and bad focus. Nothing compares to having the marble in hand. Ask WHY it is from a certain manufacturer. Look at the glass, opacity, transparency, movement and color. Don't try to learn all manufacturers at once. Narrow it down to concentrate better and learn more. Good sellers will answer questions without spin, hype or impatience. Oh - and don't drop someone else's marble. That's bad juju. Develop a sense of who you are talking to - and who knows more and has more accurate info to share. Beware hype. Know when you are being hyped. Some of the rooms will stay open quite late. Much to be learned late. Most of the show is 'over' behind the scenes before the show day begins. Have fun!

The cane-cut Guinea approach has been discussed, although mostly some time ago. I see no inconsistencies with that understanding, especially when one studies the construction.

WV

Modern, for the torch.

I own a (retired) cell phone older than that box.

Good calls all around.

An asking price is not a selling price.

Bingo!

Its a Chris Parke piece.

Yes - good eye.

Machine made, not a Cornhusk. UV is not an indicator of anything.

1970 is modern - as is 1960.

Its an Onionskin with lutz. I don't see where EOD is evidenced.

As new as they can be.

My understanding is that Guineas were not made on a standard machine.

It meets the definition of a Submarine.

The price is a pipe dream.

I'm not seeing Moonies there.

Those blue/grays were dug - and were great color combos IMO. Nuanced.

Its ballast. Any time you hear someone pitching a marble with a grand story and glorious proclamations of their rarity/value - know one thing: "A good marble doesn't need a story to sell itself". But a shyster/liar will feel compelled to invent a story. Once you see the story coming - walk away. Its a waste of life.