Clay, Ceramic and Stoneware Marbles
Before glass marbles became common, antique toy marbles were made from ceramics, including clay, stoneware, and china or porcelain. From the late 1500s through the early 1700s salt-glazed stoneware marbles were made first by the Dutch and then later by the Germans.
Clay marbles were first made in America in 1884 by The Akron Toy Company. Prior to 1884 they were imported from Germany.
Billions of the plain clay marbles were made in the USA from 1884 until about 1950. Despite being antiques, these clay "commies" are still common today and not really collectible.
On the other hand, certain ceramic marbles are quite collectible. These include the very affordable glazed Bennington marbles colored brown, tan, blue or "fancy" as well as the early "China" marbles that were painted with often intricate line patterns, or even miniature painted scenes. Especially rare and desirable are the "Pennsylvania Dutch china" marbles from the late 1800s, which feature charming hand painted designs. These can easily fetch more than $500 when they do come up for sale.
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 Vintage Marble ~Akro Agate~ CORKSCREW US $9.50 Sale ends: 2h 52m |
 Vintage Marble ~Akro Agate~ CORKSCREW US $9.50 Sale ends: 2h 54m |
 Vintage Marble ~Akro Agate~ CORKSCREW US $9.50 Sale ends: 2h 55m |
