Shamrock Marbles

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"

Jack, I've heard people call these "wee-wees" and "micro-marbles". Fundamentally, they are simple to make. However, the extra set-up work that Bo does is what makes his "Popeyes" really, really nice. ----------------- For a simple swirl, heat a gob of base color glass (say white), then add a touch of a second color (say blue). Now, take the small gob and then pull a "stringer". See video on pulling a stringer: --------------- With the stringer pulled, you can use the following technique: Set your torch flame to a very fine point. Take the stringer and hold it straight up and down. While holding the top tip, place the bottom tip of the stringer into the tip of the flame. The glass will melt and ball up. When the micro-ball becomes large enough, gravity will pull it away from the stringer. As it drops away, the laws of physics continue. The surface tension of the molten micro-ball will pull it into a sphere. See video of a water droplet forming: Because the micro-ball mass is so small it will cool rapidly. Catch the ball in a stainless steel bowl. -------------- Another technique: Take your stringer and cut into small lengths. Place one small nip into a graphite cup (marble mold). Turn your torch down into the cup and heat the nip to molten. Swirl the micro-sphere. Remove from the flame while continuing to swirl. Once sufficiently cooled, dump the "marble" into a collection bowl. -------------- Just because they are small, doesn't mean they should be cheap. A lot of work goes into making these babies. Jane Walker was one of the people I remember making these little ones when I started (circa 2001) Jane's website: http://jane.walkerillustration.com/index.htm --------------- I hope I was helpful to you. Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

Duffy is right. Steelies are hollow and an "X" can be seen on the surface. Solid metal spheres are just plain ball bearings and shouldn't be considered a steelie. Reproduction bags are filled with plain ball bearings. Hollow "X" Steelies are made of plain carbon steel (which rusts). A brass alloy was also used, but they should be called "Brassies", not "Steelies". Other materials could have been used. The degree of rust on a steelie is dependent of the residual oil used during forming and contact with a corrosive or oxidant. Here is a link to Google Patents for patent 812,135: http://www.google.com/patents?id=K8dBAAAAEBAJ&pg=PA1&dq=hollow+formed+ball+iowa&source=gbs_selected_pages&cad=1#v=onepage&q=hollow%20formed%20ball%20iowa&f=false It shows the forming process of Hollow "X" Steelies. Enjoy, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles" PATENT-812135_MANUFACTURE_OF_HOLLOW_METALLIC_BA-PG1.pdf

Marblemiser, Yes, Steph is correct. Chinese origin and made in the style of Gerry Coleman marbles. 1) Pull a bunch of cane. 2) Fuse into a long bundle. 3) Cut into shorter cylinders (or cubes). 4) Grind off excess corners or edges. 5) Finish in a sphere machine. Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

Lou, We're taking the kids up the Mt. Washington Cog Railway and then on the Conway Scenic Railroad. Thinking about staying at Bretton Woods, but haven't fully decided. Sue, I've been visiting Waterbury/Stowe since I did work at Ben & Jerry's in the early 90's. You should try the fresh hot cider donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. There is a resort just north of the Notch that we are looking into. We are also visiting the Quechee Gorge area. I can't wait to eat at Simon Pearce! Plan on stopping at Long Trail Brewery (as usual). Looking into a visit to Porter Music Box Company and Vermont Teddy Bear. We will visit Shelburne Museum and Frog Hollow Gallery again. Needless to say, but we have on long check list for the trip! LOL! Sincerely, John

Sue, With much sadness, Marilyn and I are not going to Wheaton this year. Because Wheaton left us (the marble makers), we decide to move forward with our plans. The family will be touring Stowe, VT and Mount Washington, NH around the same time. If Wheaton decides to fix a schedule for the future, then we will be there! Don't get me wrong. I was born in Philly and we have family down in Stone Harbor and Wildwood. It was always a great time for us. Sadly, we locked in our schedule for the Summer of 2010 before Doris sent out her email. There are loyal friends and customers that we will miss. Sue, please make a toast to Marilyn and I on the porch! Man, I will miss the Cops and Ambulances! How about the impromptu guitar solos? There is nothing better than sharing wine (or rum) with friends! Blessing to you and your family! John "Shamrock Marbles"

...and Happy New year to all! Came across this January 2004 photo: This was the first Xmas Header pack that I made. Sold it on Ebay to Pepsikid7 in Feb 2004. Many Blessings, John "Shamrock Marbles"

Popeyecollector, I agree with the "double wow" factor when it comes to Lee Linne's model marble machine. What struck me was that it was stated that only two of the three models are known to exist. The model Lee had was based on the Horace Hill patent (1,164,718). The second machine referred to was said to be in the possession of Boyce Lundstrom with the third to be unknown or "lost". However, Boyce's model is based off the Miller patent (1,601,699). These are two totally different executions of marble forming equipment. So, I wonder what is meant by "three" machines. Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles" P.S. I think you came to my room. It is hard to put board names to faces. Did you talk to me about your visit to Moon and the demonstration of how odd-balls are made?

Mike, I'll send you a PM. You've probably forgotten more about glass than I know (or I hope to know). Going off line... Sincerely, John

Mike, Isn't that the "gift"? To be able to work with what is given to oneself? You did quite well with what you were given to work with. The story of "Billy" only adds to the luster of your work. I'd love to listen more to what you went through to make the "pansy dish". Maybe I'm weird, but I enjoy listening more about the journey than the accomplishment. Sincerely, John

Mike, As you well know, there is nothing better that Bullseye green aventurine! Along with your marbles, I do love your Pate De Verre work. I love "Tommy"! Inspiring as always! Sincerely, John

Mike, Beautiful as usual! Bullseye glass? Sincerely, John

Steph, What about the possibility that these marbles are simply "clearies" and the "spots" are actually other marbles that are adjacent? Sincerely, John "Shamrock Marbles"

Carole, LOL! Disappeared from the world of marbles (at least). Maybe "faded away" would have been better? I don't know if he is making any glass at this time. That is why I suggested Sue for more information. I'm sure Bert Cohen might know (or some from the NE marble group). John P.S. You need to add a couple more Cape Cod's to your collection. The "Christmas" red/green/white/lutz are super!

Carole, It is good to hear that you are resolving your situation. William Burchfield is the artist behind Cape Cod Glass Works. He made some amazing marbles, then disappeared (<my take). I believe his work goes back into the 70's and includes paperweights among other things. Maybe Sue has some more info on him and his body of work. Take care, John "Shamrock Marbles"

Carole, I believe it looks like a Cape Cod marble. Look at Bert Cohen's site under Contemporary marbles. Emarbles used to also sell these. Super marble, old or new, nonetheless! Sincerely, John "Shamrock Marbles"

Thanks Felicia! What will be the color for next month? John

Sliding in at the last minute... Enjoy! John

Here is a Vitroesque machine-rounded marble I made back in 2005. It is Orange, Pink and Green Aventurine. I have found that pink marbles are very good sellers. Sincerely, John

Thank you everyone! Derrick - Hang tight! I'm working on a non-Ebay angle for fixed-price sales. I really appreciate all the purchases from everyone when I've posted on the boards. However, answering all the emails and updating posts of who got what and what is still available was way too time consuming. I'm sure some were frustrated to find out they what they wanted was sold long before I could update the post. Sincerely, John P.S. One can never use enough exclamations when expressing oneself!!!! (Bob, that's 4 for the record.)

Sue, Let there be no mistake. The Jabo's deserve all the applause they deserve! It is good to see such enthusiasm in our hobby. Hopefully, these endeavors will bring more people into the game of marble collecting. As far as "limited", well... ...you only can do so much when you make one at a time! LOL! Hope to see you in Wheaton 2009. Sincerely, John

It's been a while, but I finally set aside some time to play. Enjoy! Sincerely, John "Shamrock Marbles"

Just one of many patents.... Enjoy, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

The last one has a home! All gone. Thanks for playing, "I want that Shamrock!" I have boxing and weighing to do. I will be in touch with each of you late this evening. Sincerely, John