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"

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"