ALOX MANUFACTURING COmpany (1919-1989)
COMPANY HISTORY
The Alox Manufacturing Company was begun by John Frier in 1919, though until the 1930s it only distributed marbles made by other companies with the toys produced by Alox itself. At that time seven marble manufacturing machines were bought from another company and production began.
Alox experienced a hiatus during World War II when there was a shortage of supplies needed to produce marbles. Following the war, the company resumed marble manufacture, though halted it again just a few years later. However, it had sufficient stock to continue selling its marbles into the 1960s.
Following the death of John Frier, Alox Manufacturing Company continued to operate up to 1989 under the leadership of Frier's son, Jack. However, they apparently did not sell marbles during the last 25 years or so of their existence.
The Alox Manufacturing Company was begun by John Frier in 1919, though until the 1930s it only distributed marbles made by other companies with the toys produced by Alox itself. At that time seven marble manufacturing machines were bought from another company and production began.
Alox experienced a hiatus during World War II when there was a shortage of supplies needed to produce marbles. Following the war, the company resumed marble manufacture, though halted it again just a few years later. However, it had sufficient stock to continue selling its marbles into the 1960s.
Following the death of John Frier, Alox Manufacturing Company continued to operate up to 1989 under the leadership of Frier's son, Jack. However, they apparently did not sell marbles during the last 25 years or so of their existence.
IDENTIFICATION TIPS
Alox mainly produced Chinese Checkers marbles. These are indistinguishable from those made by other companies. However, they did manufacture a number of opaque and transparent swirls, which they sold in their "Three-in-a-Row Tit-Tat-Toe" boxes and in mesh bags.
Most Alox swirls are unidentifiable unless found in their original packaging, though there are a few varieties that are unique to the company. Most of their transparent swirls appear to be white-based or blue-based.
ORIGINAL PACKAGING
As mentioned above, Alox Manufacturing Company distributed its marbles in either boxes ("Tit-Tat-Toe" game) or in net mesh bags. Recently, three "fantasy" poly bags with fake Alox headers have appeared. These are the now infamous Army, Navy, and Air Force poly bags. They are completely fake and contain modern Marble King marbles. It should be remembered that Alox never sold its marbles in polyvinyl packaging.
Alox mainly produced Chinese Checkers marbles. These are indistinguishable from those made by other companies. However, they did manufacture a number of opaque and transparent swirls, which they sold in their "Three-in-a-Row Tit-Tat-Toe" boxes and in mesh bags.
Most Alox swirls are unidentifiable unless found in their original packaging, though there are a few varieties that are unique to the company. Most of their transparent swirls appear to be white-based or blue-based.
ORIGINAL PACKAGING
As mentioned above, Alox Manufacturing Company distributed its marbles in either boxes ("Tit-Tat-Toe" game) or in net mesh bags. Recently, three "fantasy" poly bags with fake Alox headers have appeared. These are the now infamous Army, Navy, and Air Force poly bags. They are completely fake and contain modern Marble King marbles. It should be remembered that Alox never sold its marbles in polyvinyl packaging.
ALOX GALLERY
(Hover your mouse or lightly touch the image to see the type of marble. Click to view the full size image)
(Hover your mouse or lightly touch the image to see the type of marble. Click to view the full size image)
