Shamrock Marbles

Aren't there 13 marbles in the ring? If you got them all in one run to win a game, this pin was given to recognize your feat. Equivalent to running the table in a pool game or a 300 in bowling. Just a guess. John

Vitro marble machine at Wheaton Village. John

Merry Xmas!

Alan, There is more information: My wife confirmed the origin. However, I did just what you suggested and sent them an email. After doing so, I learned their barn studio suffered a devastating fire late December 2017. They lost everything (finished inventory, office equipment, glass equipment, etc.), but no one was physically hurt. There was (and still is) a GoFundMe to raise money to get their studio up and running. https://www.gofundme.com/besett-vermont-glass-studio-fire Since the fire, they have been fighting to get their business and lives back in order. With all things considered, I felt like a total jack-a$$ with my trivial inquiry. They have more important things to do with their time, than answer stupid emails. So, we'll leave it at that. The Harry Besett & Ken Leslie collaborations are totally awesome. There are Harry Besett, Ken Leslie and Josh Simpson collaborations (e.g., "Planet Swallower"). There are Harry Besett, Wendy Besett and Josh Simpson collaborations. Your wonderful orb is a Besett & Leslie collaboration titled "Sweeny Todd". http://www.vtglass.com/marbles/artspherescollaboration.htm Thanks for your help, John

Anyone who has tried to write their name on glass with a spinning diamond engraver know how difficult it can be to get good results let alone consistency. The tool just wants to catch and bounce. Hence, the skipping of the lines. Add the complexity of a small object with a curved surface. What a pain!! The best engraved signature is done by Mark Matthews. Even his micro-signatures on collaboration marbles are precise! I understand why artists have gone to titanium pens or used signature canes. John Mark Matthews Collaboration "Beach Ball" Marble (1-5/16" Diameter)

"Range of Variation" in Besett signatures on three different candle sticks. Even with that range, the "B" and "tt" backstroke cross loop are distinguishable. I am not a handwriting expert, but you can see he writes his last name in three sections "B", "es", then "ett". John

Yes, I attended those shows, too. Came as a visitor in 2004. Had a table the remaining years until the end. Paul Katherman has worked hard to resurrect the show (my apologies to anyone else if not properly credited). About the signatures on the two marbles... I'm 100% sure they are made by Harry Besett. What tripped me up, was I just looked at the signatures a few weeks ago. I kept seeing in my mind the name "BraD". A mental red herring. After posting, it hit me. Royal's post had a link, but no signature for Besett. Ebay had some Besett candlesticks. All three are signed Besett with a "range of variation". The end stroke and return loop to cross the double "tt" are in all signatures. The "B" exhibit the same stroking angles. The middle of the marble signatures are shortened due to the size (0.313" long) and surface curvature. Besides all that stuff, I forgot that they were gifted to my kids. Blue for the boy and pink ribbon for the girl. Do you have signatures on your Besett marbles to share? John

Thanks for sharing your opinion! I like how you put "did" in italics. Do you have any suggestion(s) to attribution? John

Found a candlestick set on Ebay. Considering that the signature has to fit on a 0.7" diameter marble, I believe these to be a match. John Besett Signature

Royal, Thanks for the link! Well. I think I answered my own question. I believe these marbles to be made by Harry Besett. The last loop is not a "D", but a return stroke to finish the "tt". Picked up at Wheaton Village Marble Show 2005 or 2006. Thanks! John

Drawing a complete blank on these two marbles. Does anyone recognize the signature? The blue marble is 0.71" diameter. The white & pink marble measures 0.73" diameter.

Steph, Sweet Barton's! Thanks for sharing!! John

Let us see more of those Barton Beauties! What's in the "Tower" box? Sincerely, John

Edward Muscat (1961 ~ 2017) Same Cane Marble Set 2001

Bottom view.

Bought this at Amana 2003. I think it is an Andy Davis, but the signature is too rough. Thoughts? Sincerely, John

Mark Matthews' Micro-Signature (Matthews JM 2013): "Gum Ball" marble is 1-1/8" diameter (nominal). Signature is about 1/4" long. John

A marble that became a lemon.

John Hamon Miller 2001 (1-1/8" DIA)

Photo above is from Google search images. John

Craig, Can you tell if your advertisement is color printed or hand colored? There is a "red" ad on the internet. Thanks for sharing! John