Shamrock Marbles

The cold rolled marks are the result of the surface cooling quickly from contact with the Forming Rollers (Augers). Once in contact with the Forming Rollers, the gob is "twisted". Since, the surface has cooled, the glass has to "wrinkle" as it is twisted. I wouldn't argue calling these cold rolled marks. Once this surface is set, there isn't enough residual heat in the marble core to "remelt" or "smooth" the surface. One could torch the marble as it travels down the augers, but heat and water from the combustion process will just rust up the rollers. Fundamentally, the gob of glass is spinning on an axis parallel to the Forming Rollers and not turning on multiple axes as desired. A witness to this is the number of "Footballs" or "Easter eggs" created. Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

Thank you Griff. You proved my point. My position: Once Dave gets his Marble System variables in tune (particularly the Forming Machine), he won't be making anymore Rams Heads. Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

Fair enough, I wouldn't want you to divulge any trade secrets or violate a signed NDA. Question 1: In all the years and runs at Jabo, how many times have you seen "Rams Head" marbles?

Griff, Would it be fair to say that you have intimate knowledge of the machinery and various runs at Jabo, Sammy's and DAS? John

Gents, Yes, those are great examples of balanced "Rams Head", "Back Twist", "Chevron" style machine made marbles. There are also versions where only one pole exhibits the "Twist" or "Ying-Yang" feature. Go to the DAS Rams Head Marbles thread for continued discussion about this style. John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles"

Ann, Are you sitting down? Here is the answer in its full unadulterated blasphemy: The marble augers twisted the glass. Yes, this is totally opposite from the widely held belief that the marble rounding machine does not alter the pattern. Sincerely, John McCormick "Shamrock Marbles" The above is similar to "crop-dusting" your Boss' wife at a company cocktail party. Sitting back and eating popcorn.

Mike, Good to see you, too! As a lurker, I get to see you more than you see me (6:1). Always enjoy your posts, but thoroughly enjoy your spirit. Ron, I guess I need some schooling. The picture above from Mike shows some marbles that I would consider "Miller Swirls". Correct? What do you call the Peltier marbles that have a defined "twist" like the DAS "Rams Head" marbles? Peltier "Swirls"? Peltier "Twists"? Miller "Twists"? (Yes, I know some cringe a the word "Miller" and consider it a misnomer.) Sincerely, John McCormick "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