This lot contains 25 Antique Clay marbles primarily from the 1800’s in various types and colors for collections or décor. This lot will contain a mix of Blue and Brown glazed clay "Benningtons; white porcelain (China) marble; and "Dyed or Painted" and "Plain" Clay marbles. Note: I would not recommend them for children's games as they are more easily damaged than most marbles.

The photos shown are just examples of what I have available for sale. Actual marbles may vary.

Marbles such as these have been made throughout the world since ancient times. I have seen clay marbles made 2000 years ago during the Roman era. The vast majority of clay marbles found today were made in Germany in the 1700's and 1800's. Some were used for ballast in ships crossing the Atlantic Ocean as they were easier to handle. Many were also made in America by several companies in the second half of the 1800's and early 1900's before glass marbles became widely available in the 1900's. Because they were handmade, they seldom are perfectly round.

The much more expensive German made "Bennington" clay marbles were often glazed blue or brown, although there are other uncommon colors as well. They also have unglazed "spots" which occurred as they were often touching each other during the glazing process. Their name came from the "Bennington Pottery Factory", although there is actually no relation to the Bennington Factory products.

Antique Clay Marbles can vary greatly in diameter, from Peewees under 1/2" to Boulders over 1". Being older used marbles and hand-made, many have some minor wear and are not perfectly round. Older Painted Clays usually have lost a significant amount of the paint. I have removed any marbles with noticeable damage from the mix.

As these marbles come from my personal collection, which I have acquired from various marble collectors over the years, this lot will have a mix of mostly old and possibly some new marbles and multiple colors. I will vary the mix to provide a wide variety of sizes and colors. The marbles will come in a small plastic bag inside a white gift box, which will be bubble wrapped and then put into a shipping box with "Styrofoam Peanuts" for their protection.

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD. Marbles and other small items for sale are not intended for children under 3 years of age.

If you have any marble related questions, please feel free to contact me. If you are not completely satisfied with the selection sent, please let me know and I will exchange the lot sent for another lot or refund your purchase. I have a variety of other marbles available, for play, craft work, décor or for marble collectors. Please check out my other listings. Hope you enjoy these!

Alan D. Rupp, Owner - RuppMarblesNAntiques, President - Midwest Marble Club