Shamrock Marbles

Ann, I was hoping for the discussion of the DAS "Ram Head" marbles and Peltier "Miller" Swirls to pop-up, but I was enjoying this one on the sidelines, while it lasted. Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

Dave, Yes, I take the position that Patent US1927650 describes the technique and equipment required to make the Peltier "feathered" slags. Ann, Damn, that is one helluva call-out! Where did that "fluid dynamics guy" description come from? LOL! A major weakness of this patent is "Figure 7". To me, the figure represents a "wire pull" instead of a "wood-grained" or "feathered" slag. This drawing conflicts with the text. "If the outfowing molten mass can be drawn out or attenuated sufficiently, and then re-fused, before the suspended or mold charge is cut off, then the striating material may become distributed in the mass of the suspended or mold charge, so as to appear as a group of lines or streaks therein." The magical element is the second chamber after the initial plunger and nozzle. It is here that the initial stream winds back and forth upon itself against the second conical nozzle wall. The opaque portion of the glass stream is presented to the outside of said nozzle. Due to the shape of the nozzle and distribution of the glass, the center (or middle) portion of the gather flows faster toward the opening. This difference in flow pulls the middle away from the edges and elongates the opaque glass ribbon. The result is a series of nested chevrons. Look at perfect example of a Peltier "Feathered" Slag. It should have two cut-lines (one at each pole) and the feathering is on one side only. (>>>>>) The center of the arrow is the direction the glass flowed out of the second nozzle at the shearing device. \\ // Nozzle V V _V_ Shear V V | V | V V Flow Marbles that exhibit more than 180-dgrees (one side) of feathering are the result of an elongated gob that is sheared and folded onto itself (like a "U"). Not unlike how the Jabo "Butt Crack" or Vitro "V" are created. Check out Bob Block's green slag on eBay right now. There is no argument that statistical aberrations can occur during a manufacturing run, thus resulting in "unexplainable" results. The goal is to provide consistent and repeatable results. Toss the outliers! (Or keep them if they're cool.) One final point, the key is that the glass stream hits the side of the second conical nozzle. This constrains the glass and the direction of "wobble" or "waver". If the stream where to hit at the center, it could move freely 360-degrees and wrap like a "flame" or become a "wire pull". Over boil some angel hair pasta. Take one very limp noodle. Hold it vertically. Lower onto a table or flat surface. Keep your hand steady in the same vertical axis. Avoid influencing any side-to-side motion. Let the noodle and gravity do the work. Keep lowering the noodle and watch how it piles up. Mike, I hear you. Ain't got nothin' to sell either. Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

Back in September, I was invited to Sauder Village to demonstrate the second generation marble machine for visitors. As luck would have it, there happened to be a reasonably seasoned resident glass artist on site - Mark Matthews. During the four days of fun, we made a few interesting marbles. Some of these rare gems are for sale and would make great stocking stuffers. You can find a few of Mark's personal collaboration marbles available through his website: http://www.markmatthewsglass.com/nubs1.html See all four pages. There was an article in the Toledo Blade documenting our demonstration: https://www.toledoblade.com/A-E/2013/09/13/Sauder-Village-s-talented-artisans-put-on-a-colorful-show.html ------- How the Collaboration Marbles are Made When Mark cleans up the end of his cane, he snips off a "nub" of glass. Please refer to photo "Step 20" in Baumann's book, "Collecting Antique Marbles". Mark has been keeping these "nubs" since the second Reagan Administration (circa 1985). When you visit his shop, you can see them stored in "bottles" up in the rafters. The "bottles" are really unfinished jars for his Population Portrait series. Mark hand selected "nubs" and arranged them in a kiln. The "nubs" where pre-heated to prevent thermal shock. With a hot punty, Mark would then pick up each "nub" until an appropriate sized assemblage was gathered. The mass was heated until molten, then cut off into the machine for rounding. Rounded marbles were removed and placed into another kiln for annealing. No two are alike. Marbles deemed worthy by Mark are signed: "Mark Matthews JM 2013" Only signed marbles are being sold by Mark. Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

Edna, Is this the one? http://anythinggoes43567.yuku.com/forums/2/Jabo-Land#.T9-urVs3t-U John

Roger, That is really neat reading! Thanks! Sincerely, John

Steph, Yep, Horace Hill was one to trust. Especially when it came to accounting. Figures lie and Liars figure! Is there any information in Cohill's MFC book that would confirm that these numbers are correct? Thanks, John

John, Thanks for the feedback. My understanding of what was coming from Germany would have been Cane-Cut (Latts, Indians, Onionskins, etc.), Swirls with ground pontils, sulphides, stone agates, clay and painted chinas. Please forgive me if I missed something. Mr. Strobel states in his letter opposing the tariff, "Glass marbles that are imported are entirely different styles than those made in the United States." Mr. Strobel also iterates that he sells both German and US marbles. Wouldn't this give him a strong perspective about the differences in glass marbles? I would suspect that the finish quality and roundness of the MFC marbles was superior to those made in Germany. Would that be a fair guess? Also, were the MFC slags that much different in appearance than German Slags? Was the color and clarity of MFC glass more appealing? There would be no doubt that MFC Bricks stood out from the competition. Did kids shoot with those glass German mades? I figured that they were keepers to show friends. I thought most marbles at the time that were played with would have been real Agates (for the shooter) and Clay Commies. When did kids use glass marbles in the ring? Did rich kids play with glass and poor kids play with clay? If you are playing for keeps, would you put your pretty glass marbles out while your competition puts out their clays? Did Martin ask for more knowing that if he got nothing extra, that at least the existing tariff would stay in effect? Surely during WWI, with German imports stopped, the US marble market took off without any competition and glass companies like Akro flourished. Just trying to figure it out. Again, John thanks for the feedback. Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

A double thumbs up to you! Thanks! John

Steph, I made reference to the casket thing for a few reasons: 1) The Wheaton Village Museum of Glass has a glass childs casket on display. It gave me chills every time I saw it. 2) I thought it was interesting that Miller made equipment for its manufacture. Marbles to caskets. Craddle to grave. 3) From a technical prespective, making thick wall pressed glass would have its problems. 4) How much would a glass casket weigh? I'd hate to help carry it. John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

Mike, I believe these are referred to as "Inverted Apothecary" Jars/Bottles or "Show Globes". I have seen them called "Inverted Apothecary Show Globes". Whatever they are called, I'm sure there is a proper name among the Bottle Collectors. Type in "Inverted Apothecary" on Ebay or Google search images. Yours are super neat and a great way to display assorted marbles. Thanks for sharing! John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

Nope, I don't think you missed anything, but I'm sure others have. There's a ton of great info buried in her hard work. Maybe once in a while someone should link one of the topics back to the General Board to create traffic and discussion? Here's the link to Steph's Study Hall: http://marbleconnection.com/topic/10991-mfc-timeline/page__p__93678__hl__tariff__fromsearch__1#entry93678 Back to the subject at hand... Don't you find it ironic that the Man who brought us marble-making automation (to reduce labor and increase production) is still asking for help to compete? Willie G. would be proud of him! Also, was the actual tariff increased per Martin's request? Or did it stay the same? Finally, why would you ask for protection when your product is significantly different that what was being imported? Thanks! John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

Here's an article that dicusses Akro-Agate ordering a shearing device from Miller in Swissvale, PA. National Glass Budget, May 15, 1915, 31st Year - No. 1, Page 7. Automatic Shears Ordered. One of the latest creations at the Miller machine shop, Swissvale, Pa., are automatic shears adaptable to various purposes in connection with the manufacture of tableware, novelties, etc., which are conceded to be a marked improvement over the hand shears previously employed . During the past week the Akro Agate Co., of Clarksburg, W. Va., placed an order for a set of these shears, to be used in connection with a marble-making machine. Shears of this type have already been introduced at the D. C. Jenkins factory, Kokomo, Ind., and the Phoenix factory, Monaca, Pa. See photograph and descriptive matter relative to this new contrivance on ninth page of this issue. http://books.google.com/books?id=EfpYAAAAYAAJ&pg=PT12&dq=akro+agate+miller+shearing&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LafMT8bNIoPg2QXSzPTZCw&ved=0CEAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=akro%20agate%20miller%20shearing&f=false Now don't forget to scroll down two pages to the bottom of the ninth page! Awesome advertisement! Here's a link to the patent: http://www.google.com/patents?id=ES8_AAAAEBAJ&pg=PA4&dq=miller+glass+shear&hl=en&sa=X&ei=6ajMT5jrAubW2gWV6aTZCw&ved=0CDYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=miller%20glass%20shear&f=false Finally, if you scroll down the National Glass Budget: 1) There is an article announcing the installation of the shears. (August 7, 1915). 2) And another article describing the installation of three machines. (December 18, 1915). Enjoy! John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

Looks like Miller was hiring back in 1917. Yes, this is the same Miller that made the marble machine for Peltier. http://books.google.com/books?id=MPtYAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA5-PA17&dq=national+glass+budget+miller+swissvale&hl=en&sa=X&ei=cz_MT4GTLuae2QWVqJTaCw&ved=0CDYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=national%20glass%20budget%20miller%20swissvale&f=false Now, where did I leave the keys to the Time-Machine? ---------------- Miller also made equipment to make glass caskets. http://books.google.com/books?id=MPtYAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA5-PA23&dq=national+glass+budget+miller+swissvale+caskets&hl=en&sa=X&ei=wkPMT9H4CcGQ2gWm2ODaCw&ved=0CEkQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=national%20glass%20budget%20miller%20swissvale%20caskets&f=false ----------------- Miller was also expanding their facility. http://books.google.com/books?id=MPtYAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA3-PA7&dq=national+glass+budget+pressure+of+orders&hl=en&sa=X&ei=gkTMT4njDcX42gW9itnZCw&ved=0CDwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=national%20glass%20budget%20pressure%20of%20orders&f=false Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

...with reference to Arnold Fiedler. National Glass Budget, October 6, 1917. G.A. Pflueger, secretary and manager of the Akro Agate Co., Inc. Clarksburg, W. Va., was in Pittsburg the forepart of this week. With the use of a special machine, the factory conducted by Mr. Pflueger produces colored, opal and crystal glass toy marbles, glass caster marbles and glass balls for lithographer's use. Arnold Fiedler, who as a color maker has few equals in this country, is identified with this company. http://books.google....o-agate&f=false Enjoy! John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

...from their government. Martin F. Christensen's letter (February 3, 1909): http://books.google....STENSEN&f=false Horace C. Hill's letter (January 25, 1913): http://books.google....epage&q&f=false Enjoy! John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

The marble that Ric posted is Italian made and the surface is painted with either an oil base or acrylic paint. The color is applied in a similar fashion to making marbled paper for high-end books. http://www.flickr.co...N08/5893847360/ http://www.shoppiamo...morizzate~.html Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

Joe, FES is the signature of a French glassblower that now lives in WV. Francois Edouard "Eddie" Seese. You might want to post on the Glass Addiction board for more help. Good luck! Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles" P.S. +1 on Galen's call.

Rich, Keep going! That first one is killer. ----------------------- The technique you are using is typically referred to as "raking". Be patient and work your glass cooler to keep the colors from bleeding into one another. Drew Fritts is a master of raked marbles. His Butterfly and Marbrie series are excellent examples of the raking technique. Drew's book, "Torchworked Marbles, Vol. 1", describes in detail how he achieves his results. --------------- Galen's photo of the Mike Edmondson marble is an example of a totally different technique. No raking is done to achieve Mike's results. He used to have a "How To" at GlassArtist.org about his Shadow marbles. Great examples of this technique are his Pelt Slags, Shadow and Dragon Eye marbles. Sincerely, John McCormick Shamrock Marbles

Craig, Yep that's all I need - another machine. However, it would be significantly cheaper than the others! Harbor Freight, here I come! http://www.harborfreight.com/3-1-2-half-cubic-ft-cement-mixer-67536.html Sincerely, John

One of the pages shows the rules of playing marbles. There are two versions: French and Anglo-Saxon. http://billebrousse.com/jeu-de-billes/34-federation-francaise-du-jeu-de-billes/55-regles-de-jeux-de-billes.html If you cut and paste the text into Google's translator you get: The French Federation of marble games has 2 sets of balls. During the various demonstrations of traditional games and festivals we organize initiations and tournaments with games of "Triangle" (French game) and demonstrations on the "Ring" (international game Anglo-Saxon). ----------------------------- FRENCH (Triangle) Extract from the Rules of the game of marbles "The Triangle" 1. The land is 5 meters long and 2 meters wide. It is bounded by a taut rope with 4 nails at the corners. At the end of the perimeter and 80 cm from the edge, draw an equilateral triangle of 45 cm square, bounded by an elastic. 2. Within this triangle, put 15 balls into the ground 16 cm in diameter and color. 3. The field is preferably clay, very flat and free of all objects that can affect the trajectory of the ball. 4. The ball players must not exceed 17 mm. The color of this ball will be different from those located inside the triangle. 5. The triangle game is played in singles or doublets. Beginning of the game 1. Players begin at the end of the 5-meter (starting line) and throw balls at each turn in the manner of bowls players, trying to approach the nearest triangle, without being lost inside . 2. If by running the ball a player enters the triangle, it will replay a second time. If it passes the limits of the game or if he launches his ball within a second time, it will be the last to play. 3. Once all players have thrown their balls, we check each other's position relative to the central ball of the triangle. It is from this phase of the game given what the numbering start. 2 players on the same team can not play one after another. The positions being given, the party can begin. 4. The ball is held between the thumb and index finger, the back of the hand must always touch the ground. 5. Must announce which ball you want to take the finger pointing. 6. To win a ball, it must so totally the triangle. It can however cause one or more with it, the shot will be valid provided they have first struck the nominated ball even if it does not come out. 7. If another ball that is hit that announced, the ball or the ball will be moved back in place. 8. If the shooting player's ball remains in the triangle, provided that the ejected ball ale announced, it will be replayed immediately in the starting line. 9. If shooting the ball against the player remains in the triangle without leaving any ball, the player will be penalized by replaying the start line, but until the next round. 10. During the game, it is possible to announce a ball other than the triangle. If it is touched, the player can then play again immediately, and if he wants, he may announce the same log (maximum 3 times). 11. It is possible for a player to overcome an opponent's game or the limits of the ship in the triangle in the drawing, and it forces the opponent to be replayed from the start line, the next round. 12. Any ball of fire who transcended the game or lodging in the triangle penalizes the player: he must replay of the foul line the next round. 13. If the ball touches a player's shooting another ball, he is allowed to retreat in order to play again. 14. During the game, it is possible to announce a ball or a ball of the triangle of the opponent of the starting line. 15. The winner is the one who releases the ball over the triangle. --------------------- ANGLO (Ring) Extract from the Rules of the game of marbles "The Ring" 1. A circular piece of wood of 1.90 m in diameter placed 10 cm above the ground. Sprinkle the plate with dry sand. 2. Put in the center of the ring 49 beads, terra 16 mm, compact and tight in a circle. 3. We play in teams of 2, 3 or 4 players. Players from various teams and interspersed keep the same in the game possible to play individually, but put only 25 balls in the center. 4. Each player has a ball of fire which shall not exceed 19 mm in diameter. 5. The goal is to eject the ball up to the ring. The winner is the one who released the largest number of balls. 6. The index is placed against the ring, the palm of the hand upward. Shooting the ball is then sent by the inch. 7. Each player plays from a place he wants around the board and try out one or more balls, hand against the ring. 8. After pulling the player will be in one of the following situations: 1. The ball of fire came out of the ring without ejecting ball → the player will play the ringside next round. 1. The ball of fire and one or more balls are outside the circle → the player will play the ringside next round → balls will release its assets. 1. Shooting the ball remains on the board so that one or more balls are outputs → it will continue to play the spot where his ball, directly below it. → he may then take other balls. 1. Shooting the ball remains on the shelf without having to log out: → the player must wait his turn to continue playing but: - The ball may be ejected from the ring by another player: it will be eliminated from the game (in a friendly, the player whose ball is out, 3 balls to give his opponent). - If the ball does not exit the ring when his turn comes he will play the spot where his ball. 1. If the ball of fire remained in the ring touches another ball, the player will take his ball and wait for the next round to play the ringside. 2. In the ring, if the player hits another ball with his hand, he is penalized, he took his ball of fire and awaits the next round to play the ringside. ------------------------- Very interesting! Enjoy, John McCormick

Craig, Nice find. The company profiled is Bille en Brousse. Located south of Limoges in Saint Maurice Les Brousses. http://www.billebrousse.com/ The tumbled clay process is similar to making candy. Love the colorful earthen marbles! Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

Kevin, I can attest that I did not make those marbles. I would agree with the experienced vintage collector opinions that it would be best to see it in hand before stating a final opinion. It is difficult to assess the marble with grainy, out-of-focus macro photos taken from just a few perspectives. I wish you the best in your quest for info. ----------------------- David, "Precision." Really? There is nothing precise about constructing a marble with random patterning. Precise is an adjective to be reserved for a Mark Matthews geometric graal or a Drew Fritts twist marble. Those two guys are professional artists -- I'm just an amateur glass melter with a round machine! Yes, you should get those 35mm prints scanned! I can just imagine how many photos of the various marbles you have and what it would take to get them digitized. My mind spins thinking about the possible task! --------------- Now, to layout the early Shamrock record. March 2003 the marble machine was ready for testing. Amana 2003 I showed a picture of the machine to a few people (Drew Fritts and Dan Grumbling). The end of August was the first successful creation of spherical marbles. October 2003 was the first public demonstration of the marble machine at Moon Marble. December 2003 was the first marble show that both marbles and the machine were displayed (Huck Finn). It was here that I met up with Chris Robinson. Went to John Hamon-Millers shop to look at Chris Robinson's Road-and-Tunnel Slag marble machine. Also at this show, I got to talk with Les Jones at the table next to Chris' and mine. March 2004 was the first "Marble Crazy" that I demonstrated at. It was here that I had further discussions with Les at the Holiday Inn (a Pelt collector "Ted" was in attendance). Les bought some of my marbles at 50-cents a piece. He told me he knew someone who would be interested in a few of these. Les and Ted came to the Moon to see the machine. Amana 2004 was the first year that I brought Shamrock Marbles (and the machine). I dropped my marble case off in Les' room and walked around the building. Les bought a few marbles. I met Bill Tow for the first time. David Chamberlain was across the hall and we had our first of many conversations. I picked up Chris Robinson's machine from John Hamon-Miller in the west parking lot. ------------------------- Now, here is a link to my GlassArtists dot Org page: http://www.glassartists.org/Gal5447_shamrockmarbles_s_Gallery.asp You can see some April 2004 marbles. These were created after further discussions with Les Jones. Up to this point, most marbles were pee-wee patches or simple swirls. --------------------- Any questions? Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

Bill, I love how you left the ends of the caterpillar fold open so one can see the "soul" of its construction. Beautiful and expressive as always. Sincerely, John

Jack, Top Left and Bottom Right are Jody Fine. He only signs some of his special stuff. These are regular production pieces. Top Right is a Cuneo Furnace (Steven Maslach). No signature here either. These are regular production pieces. Bottom Left is unknown to me. All four are very nice! Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

Darn it! It goes to show one that a long winded explanation can cause one not to cross the finish line first. Galen's response is more timely, concise and correct. Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"