Do you remember playing marbles at school? Playing for ‘keepsies’, knocking out your opponent, were all part of it. Catseyes, windmills, oilys swirlies, milkies. Showing off your collection and looking out for your new favourite.
The Game of Marbles
The game of marbles has been around for centuries, but it was not until the 19th century that the marble became a popular toy and pastime for children all over the world.
The origins of marble games date back thousands of years. There are numerous mentions in literature and poems of marbles.
Marbles have been played by children and adults for centuries.
Beautiful small spheres
Marbles have been made from glass and clay and come in a variety of sizes and colours. Glass marbles are either handblown or machine made.
Collecting Vintage Marbles
As marbles began to transition from active playground game to nostalgic collectible. Vintage marbles, particularly those from the early 20th century, became sought-after items among collectors.
Today marbles are collected and some can be worth a lot of money. So check online to identify old marbles.
Marbles are still produced in vast quantities by several marble manufacturers. It is however, the older more rare marbles that fetch the higher prices.
Marbles have gone from being a simple children’s toy to being an valuable collector item.
British Marble Championship
The British and World Marbles Championship is a marbles knock-out tournament which is held in West Sussex. The event is held traditionally on Good Friday with origins dating back to 1588. Since 1932, it has been hosted each year at the greyhound public house in Tinsley Green, West Sussex.
A friendly, yet highly competitive afternoon, with teams from around the world.
Visit the Marble Museum
The House of Marbles is a unique family attraction in Devon, and definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. A working glass factory on the site of the Old Pottery.
The museum’s huge marble run ‘Snooki’ claims to be the largest marble run in the UK.
On display are a collection of rare and interesting marbles, with a cafe, gift shop and games garden.
On the same site you will find Teign Valley Glass.
Teign Valley Glass Specialist Marbles
Since 1981, Teign Valley Glass has been producing beautiful English glassware, and specialist handmade marbles. The glassmakers use traditional skills and decades of experience create stunning glassware sold around the world. If you are interested in marble making and glass-blowing, you can watch the process as the makers create the pieces.
Whether you are a marble collector or just like marbles, this is definitely a recommended day out.
They make great gifts and a lovely addition to anyone’s collection. Buy Marbles Online
Your Marble Collection
If you find your old tin of childhood marbles in the attic, you never know you may have a rare one!
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