Akro agate keystone box

[Jeff54]

Indeed

17 hours ago, Jason W. said:

Yes, I’ve been looking through Stephs study hall. It is very thorough and unbelievable how much has been put into it. Definitely been very helpful to start with. 
As for this keystone box I believe you’re right about it being a one of one survivor at this point I’m gonna try and get as my eyes on it to see if anyone has more info.
 

Thanks for all the help.

Indeed Jason. You've stumbled on a treasure. At this time period, Akro did not make your marbles The M.F. Christensen and Son Company did. It is very rare to find sets inside original boxes. To know that Akro Agate did not make these and their original glass colors, has been a struggle since the boom of collecting machine made spheres; the very same "Constantly changing axis' principal and machinery patent to do it, even now, today; nothing makes toy marbles better. 

[cheese]

Amazing box! I hope you find the missing one.

[Jason W.]

10 hours ago, akroorka said:

Try some black(UV) light on the postage date stamp Jason W, it may reveal something hidden.

Marble--On!!

Nope no hidden maps or water marks, even tried with a flashlight like Wikipedia mentioned. 

[Jason W.]

Has anyone been too this Akro Agate private museum? The owner seems to be very knowledgeable, and mentions that he has spoken to former Akro employees which have all since passed away. Also, dose anyone know if this YouTuber active on this forum? Perhaps these two might know something more then all of us. I know it’s a long shot but but I’m positive this keystone box will grab there attention. 

 

[Chad G.]

7 minutes ago, Jason W. said:

Has anyone been too this Akro Agate private museum? The owner seems to be very knowledgeable, and mentions that he has spoken to former Akro employees which have all since passed away. Also, dose anyone know if this YouTuber active on this forum? Perhaps these two might know something more then all of us. I know it’s a long shot but but I’m positive this keystone box will grab there attention. 

 

Stephen Bahr is active on this forum, his Email is on the YouTube channel, you can get ahold of him by PM   @stephenb

Here's Stephens Email address from his YouTube channel 

[wvrons]

I have been to the Hardys collection or museum probably four to six times or more a year for the last fifteen years or more.  Roger did not talk to anyone with Akro when that box was filled.  I was the one who took Stephen Bahr to the Hardys.  I think Roger has one of these box sets. It would be very unusual if he did not. This box was filled in Akron Ohio before Akro made the move to Clarksburg WV.  It was filled with MFC hand gathered marbles probably before Akro ever produced any marbles. I think the time frame or years posted here are accurate.  The marbles were made by MFC, packaged and sold by Akro Agate of Akro Ohio about 1912-1914.  American Machine Made Marbles book page 8. Around 1912, Akro Agate moved to a machine shop in East Exchange Street Akro Ohio. Only a handful of known Akro packages made for them while in Akron Ohio are known to exist. In 1911 Akro adopted their logo the flying crow through a larger letter A holding a marble in its beak. and a marble in each claw. The first MFC marbles purchased by Akro were $3.00 per thousand, five per tube, sold retail for 8 cents. I don't think Akro packaged marbles in box sets until probably around 1912.  By late 1914 Akro was making marbles in Clarksburg WV. These were also slag type marbles, sold five in a box set.   

[chicagocyclist]

9 hours ago, wvrons said:

I have been to the Hardys collection or museum probably four to six times or more a year for the last fifteen years or more.  Roger did not talk to anyone with Akro when that box was filled.  I was the one who took Stephen Bahr to the Hardys.  I think Roger has one of these box sets. It would be very unusual if he did not. This box was filled in Akron Ohio before Akro made the move to Clarksburg WV.  It was filled with MFC hand gathered marbles probably before Akro ever produced any marbles. I think the time frame or years posted here are accurate.  The marbles were made by MFC, packaged and sold by Akro Agate of Akro Ohio about 1912-1914.  American Machine Made Marbles book page 8. Around 1912, Akro Agate moved to a machine shop in East Exchange Street Akro Ohio. Only a handful of known Akro packages made for them while in Akron Ohio are known to exist. In 1911 Akro adopted their logo the flying crow through a larger letter A holding a marble in its beak. and a marble in each claw. The first MFC marbles purchased by Akro were $3.00 per thousand, five per tube, sold retail for 8 cents. I don't think Akro packaged marbles in box sets until probably around 1912.  By late 1914 Akro was making marbles in Clarksburg WV. These were also slag type marbles, sold five in a box set.   

Always fantastic info, Ron.  Thanks.

[Jeff54]

10 hours ago, wvrons said:

I have been to the Hardys collection or museum probably four to six times or more a year for the last fifteen years or more.  Roger did not talk to anyone with Akro when that box was filled.  I was the one who took Stephen Bahr to the Hardys.  I think Roger has one of these box sets. It would be very unusual if he did not. This box was filled in Akron Ohio before Akro made the move to Clarksburg WV.  It was filled with MFC hand gathered marbles probably before Akro ever produced any marbles. I think the time frame or years posted here are accurate.  The marbles were made by MFC, packaged and sold by Akro Agate of Akro Ohio about 1912-1914.  American Machine Made Marbles book page 8. Around 1912, Akro Agate moved to a machine shop in East Exchange Street Akro Ohio. Only a handful of known Akro packages made for them while in Akron Ohio are known to exist. In 1911 Akro adopted their logo the flying crow through a larger letter A holding a marble in its beak. and a marble in each claw. The first MFC marbles purchased by Akro were $3.00 per thousand, five per tube, sold retail for 8 cents. I don't think Akro packaged marbles in box sets until probably around 1912.  By late 1914 Akro was making marbles in Clarksburg WV. These were also slag type marbles, sold five in a box set.   

And I just happen to have photos of the Clarksburg box, of which, my little buddy sent me several years ago.  it has the entire set of MFC solid opaques: Jade Green, Golden yellow, Purple and Persian Blue (turquois).  Albeit, scanner's light didn't like the marbles, especially that, it appears there's a colorless Cleary in top row. Regardless, . 

[ann]

Yellow MFCs? According to Michael Cohill, they didn`t make those. Since it`s from Clarksburg, they must be Akros. Sure would be a nice box to have, though.

[ann]

Agree, Ron. I haven`t been fortunate enough to visit the Hardys, but I recognized that wall of Akros instantly as theirs, because photos of it are in their first Akro book! It`s not something that, once seen, can ever be unseen!

[Tommy]

On 9/4/2022 at 8:37 PM, Jason W. said:

Has anyone been too this Akro Agate private museum? The owner seems to be very knowledgeable, and mentions that he has spoken to former Akro employees which have all since passed away. Also, dose anyone know if this YouTuber active on this forum? Perhaps these two might know something more then all of us. I know it’s a long shot but but I’m positive this keystone box will grab there attention. 

 

Some of the best marble minds are on this page or lurk In The background 😂 

I would take the info you have gotten here and consider your box of delicious mibs verified...👍