I have been collecting marbles since 1975. For most of those fifty years, my method for sizing one has been to hold it up, squint at it, and say a number out loud with more confidence than I had earned. That works fine when you are looking at one marble. It falls apart when you are looking at four hundred. A few months ago I was working through a jar I had bought at an estate sale, sorting for a [...]

Facebook has become one of the largest marketplaces for buying collectible marbles. Some truly amazing marbles change hands there every day, and many honest, knowledgeable collectors use Facebook groups to buy and sell within the hobby. That said, buyers should understand that Facebook transactions often come with fewer protections than established auction houses, dealer websites, or platforms like eBay. For newer collectors especially, it is important to proceed carefully. This message comes from personal experience. Payment Protection Matters One of [...]

A marvel of Thuringian glassmaking, circa 1860–1920 Size 31/32″ Condition Near Mint(−) Origin Lauscha, Germany Circa 1850–1880 This is a Clown Onionskin, one of the most celebrated and immediately recognizable variants within the End of Day family. The designation comes from the color palette: bright, saturated spots of red, blue, green, and yellow applied over an opaque white base, then sealed under a clear outer casing. No two are alike. The [...]