There were two types of these old German handmade PEPPERMINT SWIRLs: the older, circa 1850-1870, had a white opaque or semi-opaque base glass with the red an blue ribbons on the surface. This is the newer, Joseph's Coat style with a clear base glass and the colors all on the surface, circa 1870-1910.
It has been said that Germany produced these red, white, and blue swirls in honour of the first centennial birthday of the United States; therefore maybe further refining the dates of manufacture to somewhere close to 1876. Of course, as with the rest of the marbles produced, most of these were around the 5/8" to 11/16" size range with a few shooters. Due to the great populartiy of these tributes, they were subject to extensive usage by the young lads who actually received them, and consequently most were usually damaged beyond having any collectable value. The few that have survived have become even more sought after than they were originally, especially the shooters. Even as any shooters are greatly desired, this one, at the huge 25/32" size, is especially rare, and even more so in this wonderful like new condition. CONDITION: MINT(+) 9.7 or better. The surface has the wet glossy looking shine of a brand new marble. I can find no evidence of play or wear even with the aid of a bright light and lens. There seems to be a very light stain that you can see, if you look hard, toward the left edge of the fourth picture. Also, some very tiny, almost microscopic, needle-points that are clearly as-made--best seen in the upper right quadrant of the third image. You may click here to view the grading system I use. Size 19.87mm or 0.782" at the equator. | |||||
SOLD |
Bargains $2-$25 |
Agate |
Christensen Agate |
Peltier Glass Co. |
M.F. Christensen |
West Virginia |
Home Page |
Machine Made |
Antique Handmade |
Contemporary Handmade |
All Marbles |
Ebay Auctions |