Handmade marbles from the turn of the 20th century are intriguing for the care used in making them. They were made for children to play with, not intended as art glass-like contemporary art glass marbles. A Joseph’s coat or even a German swirl is a beauty. These marbles are available online and in collectibles malls and shops throughout America. Collectors are learning to collect quality marbles by reading about and handling marbles.
Look for Pontil Marks in Handmade Marbles
Vintage handmade marbles cut from canes are not polished on the ends. Most have two poles that are unpolished, but occasionally it is possible to find an end marble that has only one pontil mark. Beware of polished pontils, as these may be ground or refinished marbles. Some are tumbled in a rock tumbler and the pontil mark may no longer be rough. These marbles are not as valuable if they have been altered.
Find Beauty in Vintage Marbles
Vintage handmade marbles are sometimes unusual colors or just outstanding in some way that catches the eye. If the marble is attractive, it will be more valuable than a marble that is not. The core and the strands of swirls around the core often determine the artistic merit of a vintage handmade marble. Vintage marbles may have a solid core, a ribbon core or maybe a yellow laticcino core. Sometimes a swirl marble is not clear glass – those are scarce and collectible. Bright colors seem more difficult to locate than pastels.
Contemporary art glass artisans are making perfection marbles. They are beautiful, but they are not old. Antique or vintage marbles will likely have some flaws caused in the making, and more from use and storage for the last 100 years. For those looking for perfection, vintage art glass marbles are an unlikely source.
Check the Condition of Vintage Handmade Marbles
Play and pocket wear were hazards of vintage marbles, as boys carried them all day for a fast game. This is usually surface damage, but a steelie or two could do some real damage to a handmade swirl. A magnifying glass is an essential tool for the marble collector to check for internal fractures and eyelashes in a vintage marble. Vintage marbles can have a little damage and still hold value, but a large internal fracture is not “a little damage.”
Read online to learn about marbles. We have another article about marbles on this website and many others online. Bob Block has a great article on marbles in the New England Antique Journal. Collectibles shows, shops and sales are places to view and hold vintage handmade marbles. There is no better way to learn. A collector can build a sizable collection at a reasonable price while learning about marbles.
Linda Richard - Writer, proofreader, editor, antiques appraiser specializing in pottery and glass. Author of Retirement Living Guide series.
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