Marble Collecting Appraisal

Glass Marble (Cat's Eye or Swirl Type)

The item is a machine-made glass marble, likely a 'Cat's Eye' type due to its internal vane structure, though this is somewhat obscured by the colors. It measures approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inches in diameter, a common 'shooter' or 'player' size. The base glass is milky white or translucent light grey/blue, providing a soft background for the vibrant internal colors. There are two distinct internal ribbons or vanes: one a bright, saturated blue and the other a bold yellow. These color elements appear to swirl or curl within the sphere, creating a dynamic visual effect typical of machine-made marbles from the mid-20th century onwards. The surface of the marble appears to be smooth and glossy with no significant chips, cracks, or deep scratches visible. There may be minor signs of play wear, such as faint scuffs or flea bites, which are common for marbles that have been used. The overall condition appears to be good, indicating it has been relatively well-preserved. There are no discernible maker's marks or signatures, which is common for mass-produced glass marbles. The craftsmanship is consistent with automated glass production processes, ensuring a near-perfect spherical shape and consistent color distribution within the design. This type of marble would typically date from the 1950s to the present day, with specific patterns sometimes allowing for narrower dating. The quality of the glass and the clarity of the colors suggest a standard manufacturing process for toys or collectibles.