Hobbies And Interests
History
Glass marbles can be traced to Germany in the mid-1800s. In 1902, Martin F. Christensen of Ohio developed a method to mass produce glass marbles, and he later founded the M.F. Christensen and Son Company, which produced marbles until 1917.
Swirls and Spirals
The most common type of marble is clear glass with a swirl or spiral suspended in the center. These marbles are easily and economically mass produced.
Onion Skins
Onion-skin marbles are highly collectible because of their beauty and rarity. These hand-made glass marbles have strands of multicolored opaque or translucent glass running through them.
Mica Marbles
Much like the swirled marbles, mica marbles are primarily clear glass. These marbles have chips of mica suspended in them for a glittery appearance.
German Sulfide Marbles
German sulfide marbles were produced in the late 19th century and feature small figures of animals or people suspended in glass. Early collectors believed the figures were made of sulfide, but they are really porcelain.