Marble identification - getting started
This guide is meant to be a simple and quick way to identify and learn about vintage marbles. It is not meant to be the definitive guide to every type of marble ever produced, but I will try and answer some of the most common questions I am frequently asked, as well as show examples of some of the most collectible marbles.
The links above will take you to photos and brief descriptions of each marble type listed. Click button to visit each page.
The links above will take you to photos and brief descriptions of each marble type listed. Click button to visit each page.
Marble alan's identification & marble guide
We are happy to have Marble Alan's world famous marble identification tools and guide to learning about marble collecting online at BuyMarbles.com. You don't want to miss this fantastic detailed and comprehensive learning experience!
how old are my marbles?
One of my most often asked questions. Let's first determine where the marbles came from. Do you know about their history? Are they from a grandparent or relative or did you get them at an auction?
The age of the person you get them from will help right away. A 65 year old would have marbles from the early 50's, a 75 year old from the early 40's, etc. Many times I receive emails saying 'these marbles are my grandpas and are 100 years old'. But many times the marbles are newer and people are disappointed. Remember, Grandpa may have been picking up marbles right until the end, and many of these may be new.
If you get marbles from an auction or antique store it can be much more difficult to figure out. Most of the time the marbles will be old, we just aren't sure how old. Auctioneers will sometimes 'seed' an auction with Ball jars containing new marbles and call them vintage at the sale. Antique stores may have booths with these same jars. Many have fallen for this and overpaid for brand new marbles, including booth operators.
Browse through the picture pages listed here and you will start to get an idea of how old your marbles are if you recognize a few.
The age of the person you get them from will help right away. A 65 year old would have marbles from the early 50's, a 75 year old from the early 40's, etc. Many times I receive emails saying 'these marbles are my grandpas and are 100 years old'. But many times the marbles are newer and people are disappointed. Remember, Grandpa may have been picking up marbles right until the end, and many of these may be new.
If you get marbles from an auction or antique store it can be much more difficult to figure out. Most of the time the marbles will be old, we just aren't sure how old. Auctioneers will sometimes 'seed' an auction with Ball jars containing new marbles and call them vintage at the sale. Antique stores may have booths with these same jars. Many have fallen for this and overpaid for brand new marbles, including booth operators.
Browse through the picture pages listed here and you will start to get an idea of how old your marbles are if you recognize a few.
how important is the condition of my marbles?
Condition is key to the overall value of a marble. Marbles are antique toys made of glass or clay. Like any glass antique, whether a plate or a marble, chips, cracks, etc. lower the final value significantly. No matter how rare, it does not take much damage at all to lower the value of a marble.
This can be a real issue with marbles since they were kid's toys meant to be played with. The majority of marbles will have some damage. Collectors want mint marbles or as close to that as can be found. Marbles in poor condition will be of little value even if they are very valuable in mint condition.
Remember, just because a marble is old does not mean it's valuable! Condition, Condition, Condition! This is so important. If your marbles are chipped up and in rough condition, they will appraise for little or no value.
This can be a real issue with marbles since they were kid's toys meant to be played with. The majority of marbles will have some damage. Collectors want mint marbles or as close to that as can be found. Marbles in poor condition will be of little value even if they are very valuable in mint condition.
Remember, just because a marble is old does not mean it's valuable! Condition, Condition, Condition! This is so important. If your marbles are chipped up and in rough condition, they will appraise for little or no value.
Played with, chipped marbles
examples of MARBLES THAT HOLD LITTLE VALUE
|
