CATHY'S AKRO AGATE MARBLES: SHOW & TELL.. CORKSCREWS, OXBLOODS, URANIUM GLASS GLOWERS, & MORE!

[@cynthiaswearingen1037]

Such beautiful marbles, Cathy! I love to watch people find them, such as you guys and Rocks Cousteau. Each one is a miniature work of art!💖

[@massriverpickers]

And we love finding them!! This year has been brutal (rain) The rainiest season on record! (In our lifetimes) so it has been a challenge to keep the videos coming each week. Yeah, we still watch Rocks Cousteau all the time .. He always has a place to go, and ya gotta love 🐿️Buddy! I agree that marbles are art! The old swirls are one of a kind.. no two exactly alike. (Alleys, Christensen's, etc) And even contemporary marbles are breathtaking! (But expensive, and I prefer the old ones). Thanks Cynthia! 😁💖

[@fionajordan7219]

Thank you for sharing video awesome 👍 Finds WOW

[@cindymurphy457]

❤ love marbles thank you 😊

[@massriverpickers]

You're welcome! I am so overdue for more marble videos! The place I hunt has been too high all summer. But I scored big on marbles at the flea markets.. (videos upcoming). 😁💖

[@kathisease9924]

What beauties Cathy! You have a wonderful collection and I loved how you presented them:)

[@massriverpickers]

Thank you Kathi, Marbles are not so easy to photograph. Glad you enjoyed it. Of course I would rather be out FINDING marbles.. My marble spot is still flooded, and more rain on the way.🙄☔

[@amandabell8827]

Hi Cathy. Wow, what an amazing collection! They are all so beautiful but the Oxbloods are stunning! I love the little Deco cups too, so stylish. Hope you are both keeping well 😀 x

[@massriverpickers]

Hi Amanda! That was just some of my Akro Agates.. Many marbles to go! Yes, the oxbloods are amazing! They were in a very large jar with all kinds of inexpensive marbles. I didn't pay much for them.. got home & found out what they were worth.. 😲 He had more in that jar. I could have bought them all, but I went back and told the owner how much they were worth, and NOT to sell them for $1 each! We even brought him some bottles, to make up for my underpaying for them. I love the deco cups too. I have a few more, but I just wanted to show the marked ones this time. I went out yesterday, no marbles, but some interesting finds.. vid later this month. Going out again today! (Hopefully in the boat, if Drew is up to it) BTW, thanks for sending new subscribers our way! We subbed the back!😀😎

[@amandabell8827]

@@massriverpickers It was so kind of you to tell him the true value, he must have been thrilled! I'm so happy you got some new subs from my post on Instagram! I went out yesterday and finally found a complete Frozen Charlotte! I have been looking for several years but only found broken ones. She is just one inch long so probably a 'pudding' doll. Isn't it funny what makes us so happy lol. Happy hunting today 😀 x

[@marlinthomas5351]

I say WOW! Love the marbles! Thankyou for showin and tellin, you helped me identify some of the marbles I found. No oxbloods though, the only ones that have eluded me. More please ..

[@massriverpickers]

Hi Marlin, Thanks for letting me know! I do have many more marbles, but will be alternating with bottle videos, and other hunts. Glad I could help. Marbles can be overwhelming, so I'm trying to break it down a bit. I am still learning myself. There will be more coming! 😀 -Cathy

[@MrMadfarmer]

Wow what a Beautiful collection you guys have Cathy and I will be looking forward to seeing more....

[@massriverpickers]

Thanks Randy, We may not always get out to the river (weather) but we have enough collections to keep us going. We did get out today😀👍 but more rain on the way Sunday night- Wed. 🥱 🙄☔

[@ogamhunter]

Thanks Cathy a teaching experience well earned! Glad the Good Lord directed me in your path of videos! God Bless, (Glen). WV.

[@massriverpickers]

Hello Glen! Welcome to our channel! I'm glad our videos are a blessing to you.. (some days I question my mission!) I will, from time to time, show more marbles. I don't just collect Akros, but other companies as well. I am still learning what some of my marbles are! I am assuming your WV. stands for West Virginia? MARBLE COUNTRY! 😃 I have many " West Virginia Swirls" in my collection. (On my list of future videos). Thanks for watching and commenting! God Bless! 🙏🌞🍁 -Cathy

[@bruceritchie4382]

Thank you Cathy, I enjoyed it immensely

[@massriverpickers]

Your welcome Bruce, though some of this info was probably not new for you. (Since you have marbles too) I'm just sharing what I've learned so far. Marbles are more difficult than bottles, in my opinion. We will be going back to bottles again, probably next week. The rain this year killed us.. and more on the way.,☔ Thanks again! 😀😎

[@bruceritchie4382]

@@massriverpickers To be honest I was checking out a few of my marbles, hoping that a few might be as awesome as yours. I have quite a few really beautiful ones, but I would truly need a good schooling to know what I have. I have marble books, but in the long run, a good schooling would be best. I would really love for you to show more of your collection. School me. Thanks again

[@massriverpickers]

Wow, o.k., I will say though, that I am not an expert. I am still learning too. I still have many I need to positively ID. I have books, and internet, and access to knowledgeable people. But I agree that pictures in a book don't cut it. You have to turn the marbles all around, and in different lighting, etc. There is a marble meet, this month, but because of covid, I'm not going. At a marble meet, you can get free info and appraisals, but remember to get a 2nd opinion! If two agree, you're probably good with the ID. Thank you for telling me what you want to see.. it helps! 😃👍

[@darlatoman8654]

Beautiful collection! Great photography. Thanks for sharing.

[@massriverpickers]

Hi Darla! Great to hear from you! I did this video with my phone. The go pro is no good indoors (lighting). What I need is a little tripod to hold my phone. (and a small turn table to turn the marbles and bottles). Weather has forced us to branch out a bit.. we can't always get out. Glad you enjoyed the marbles.🙂💖

[@angelamillard6418]

That was so cool! Thanks for showing your collection! I love the doll cups, co cute!

[@massriverpickers]

Hi Angela, Glad you enjoyed the show & tell, of course I would rather be out HUNTING the marbles! I tried this week, but came up empty. Not every hunt us a great success. Weather is still not our friend. . more rain coming.😬☔

[@seashoremudlark3916]

I did rescue it from the beachglass jug... I never used to pay so much attention to buttons until I started watching mudlarking videos on KZbin, but now I appreciate them and tend to look for them along the beaches and shore.

[@iamgabriel5823]

I am tickled to death to FINALLY see a woman showing her marble collection on youtube. You've gotten some gorgeous specimens. I've been collecting marbles for quite a while, but I've never even heard of one like that orangish color one with the pearlized base. Very exciting to see this unique marble. Thanks so much for delighting us with your collection.

[@massriverpickers]

You're very welcome! I have lots more marbles yet to show! Did you see the video of my collection and a marble hunt? (We have a playlist on our channel) I know there are women collecting marbles.. but I recall hearing an (outhouse) bottle digger say that a BOY must have lived there, because there were marbles in the outhouse! Never assume! (You know that saying..) Marbles, at one time, were the most common toy! But there are lots of uncommon marbles yet to be discovered.. (or appreciated!) I will be learning for a lifetime! Thanks for watching and commenting. And do check out our "Marble hunts" playlist, (if you haven't already!) -Cathy🙂💖

[@derickmaness7789]

I enjoyed your collection of corkscrews and thanx for showing the Akro logo i love it!! Cant wait to see what else you have!!

[@massriverpickers]

Hi Derick, There will be more coming. We are doing show & tells between bottle hunting and mudlarking videos. Mixing it up a bit, but yes, you will see more marbles! (And bottles, and who knows what's!) Thanks for letting us know what you like. 😁😎

[@SJPuffnstuff]

Great video! Lots of great information ❤

[@massriverpickers]

Thank you. I am still learning marbles! -Cathy 🙂💖

[@SJPuffnstuff]

@@massriverpickers Christensen Agate and later Christensen and Sons was a one of a kind glass company. Truely astounding glass work and master craftsman!

[@massriverpickers]

Drew once found a Christensen electric yellow on black base marble, while searching a trashy hillside. It is in beautiful condition! (And appropriate that Drew should find the "electric yellow" being an electrical engineer (now retired). 😄💖

[@patriciasullivan7967]

Cathy we follow Rocks religiously. I am one of the twins from Twin Diggers Minnesota. Rocks sent us to your channel awhile back. He has old marble factories in his area, that is why I was wondering if there were any in yours. We collect them, but rarely find them when digging.

[@massriverpickers]

Hi Patricia, I know who you are! 😁 Yes, we watch all Rocks Cousteau's videos, and I love the posts/photos on his community page! Yes, many of the marbles I find in the river are called "West Virginia Swirls" because there were several companies there, and in Ohio, that all made swirls of various color combinations. Some are tough to tell apart. I find more marbles in rivers than in dumps. And the ones in the dumps are usually plain clays, because the dumps are pre-1910 or so. I can't believe the one Rocks found today! 😃(Tomorrow's vid) -Cathy🙂👍

[@shaneapplegate1975]

Thanks for sharing. Love your marbles. I have original box of akro agate Cardinal reds. One of my best marble treasures.

[@massriverpickers]

Hello Shane! And you're welcome! I had to look up the Cardinal Reds with box, to see what they look like. I may have a few of the marbles, but certainly not the box! Nice!😃👍 I certainly don't consider myself to be an expert.. I am still learning! But I do love Akros, and Alleys! Some Pelts are super nice too! (I don't have many Christensen marbles yet) When I was a child, my marbles were all cat's eyes.. I had no idea what was out there! I have an Uncle Wiggily bag of marbles, but I was told it is a "fantasy set" (Not genuine vintage). I have sooo many marbles now.. (just bought some more too Lol) I will be parting with some of them soon! 😁 💖 Thanks for watching and commenting! -Cathy 🙂

[@shaneapplegate1975]

@@massriverpickers keep sharing ✌️

[@shaneapplegate1975]

​@@massriverpickers just wanted to get back with you on the marbles. I just learned I have a Popeye that is extremely rare in uranium glass FYI just thought I would share with you that there is the potential to find a Popeye's in uranium glass🎉 I also have a Blue ox blood that is uranium. I just posted a video of them on my channel last night if you would like to take a look. Anyhow good luck collecting ✌️

[@massriverpickers]

Wow! Thanks for the info. The Popeye sounds great! And blue oxblood is on my wanted list! I bid on one recently, but didn't get it. I will definitely check out your channel! Thank you for telling me! I will be posting another marble hunt tonight!😁 (Marbles and insulators). Thanks again! -Cathy🙂🟠🔴🟢🔵

[@thearrowheadreapers8668]

Nice collection!!!! Thanks for the informative video 👍 really nicely done. Good luck out there 🏹

[@massriverpickers]

Hi There, Glad you enjoyed the video! I have sooo many marbles... I'm still learning what I have. I will show more from time to time. We have more old bottles than anything though. That is our true area of expertise! But I LOVE the marbles too! Too bad my marble spot (in the river) is flooded now. I've got a GREAT spot, whenever this rain stops. 🙄

[@thearrowheadreapers8668]

Yeah I got into marbles probably in the last year or so but it's hard for me to tell who made the what. Good luck out there 👍🏹

[@glassinthedark]

Love your UV marbles!! 💚💚

[@massriverpickers]

Thank you! I'm up photographing river marbles tonight! Yes, I've been out marble hunting in 38 - 46 degrees F in the river past two weeks! 55 marbles total!😃 Only a few are glowers though. First thing I do after cleaning new finds.. get out the UV flashlight! Soon I will have a UV shelf to display my favorites! 😁 Hmm, "Glass in the Dark? "🤔 You've got me curious! -Cathy

[@Creekseekingadventures]

Thanks for sharing. Every video on your channel that I watch I learn something new. A new subscriber just a week and couple days and see your subscription is rising. I know why cause you guys are fabulous!

[@bluecrow3755]

Killers..for sure..very nice upload ..keep on keeping on guys♠

[@massriverpickers]

Thanks Blue Crow, more of both: hunts and show & tell videos. We will alternate to keep things interesting. 🙂😎🚣

[@seashoremudlark3916]

Also clay marbles at both spots as well as figurine/doll bits and all sorts of buttons.

[@massriverpickers]

Wow! Love finding doll parts! Buttons: Drew found a rubber button with the Goodyear Patent date on it. Those are from the 1800's. Found some clay pipe stems at Niles Beach a few years back. Thanks for sharing! If I were closer, I'd be checking those spots regularly! Marbles: I've bought small bags of older marbles at the Oldies Barn in Newburyport, too.

[@seashoremudlark3916]

So cool! I find frosted marbles on the beach. One of my fave finds as well☺ I dont know if you purchase them as well but one of my spits for marbles is Todd's farm flea market in rowley mass. Sundays early am to 1 pm also main st antiques in gloucester mass. Have fun

[@massriverpickers]

Hey Melissa! We do go to Todd Farm occasionally, but I guess you've been beating me to the good marbles! Lol We go beach combing on Gloucester, for sea glass and pottery, but I don't think I've found any marbles on the beach. Sometimes pieces of antique bottles though. I live an hour+ away, so don't get there too often. Oh, we've found some nice bottles at Todd Farm, and also Salt Marsh Antiques. Which beach has the marbles? 🤔💕

[@seashoremudlark3916]

I've also found a Goodyear button on the landing next to beacon marine...I didn't kno it was that old ill have to dig it out of the beach glass jug! ☺

[@massriverpickers]

Actually, some rubber buttons made by American Hard Rubber Co. (A. H. R. Co.) were made as late as World War I, but most others are much older. I am still researching buttons from a trip to a button dump last month. That video will go up eventually. (Probably in November)

[@seashoremudlark3916]

Good morning I find frosted marbles on pavilion and un frosted shiny on a public landing in East gloucester next to beacon marine

[@massriverpickers]

I have a video up (2 yes ago?) Beachcombing that stretch by the Beaumont Hotel. Found a lot of stuff, but no marbles. (I have a few more vids from there too, I haven't put up yet).

[@patriciasullivan7967]

Cathy you have a beautiful collection. The oxbloods are my favorite. Is there an old marble factory near you..

[@massriverpickers]

Not that I know of Patricia. I find marbles from all different factories, but mostly Akros, Alleys, Marble Kings, and Vitros (none of those factories are in Massachusetts) I bought the oxbloods. They are some of my favorites too! Did you see the marble Rocks Cousteau found today?! AAAAAAHHHHH!! 😛 Posted on his community page today.. vid tomorrow.. can't wait to see that one! Thank you for watching and commenting. -Cathy🙂

[@debraporch7888]

I liked your marbles video Cathy. I can't believe how many marbles that you have. Also I never knew that the made children's dishes also. How old are your marbles? I love the vibrant colors and also that some of them glow. Are the marbles that glow older? Cathy would you ask Drew if he would be willing to sell one of his sample Warner's Safe? Let me know, I sure hope he's willing.. Take care and stay safe.

[@massriverpickers]

Hi Debra, I have a lot more marbles, but I'm going to space out the show & tells because people want to see bottles too. My marbles are anywhere from late 1800s to present, but mostly 1910s-1950s. The glow depends on the glass recipe, and does not necessarily reflect the age (since some modern companies are making marbles that glow now. ) So did you mean the very small sample Warner's, that says sample on it? I DO have one to sell, I dug one a week after Drew's show & tell, and we'd like to keep that one instead. It is the only one I have ever dug! I can email you photos of the other one. Drew has something for sale too.. Warner's. I still have your email. O k. to send photos to that same email? Good to hear from you! 😀😎🚣

[@seashoremudlark3916]

Yes I met you and drew on pavilion shortly after u posted beachcombing gloucester

[@massriverpickers]

Oh! Yes, I remember that! 😀👍

[@frankbean7823]

Why are there marbles in this river?

[@massriverpickers]

Hi Frank, People used to dump trash in our rivers. There's a lot of other stuff in there too: bottles, tires, shoes, broken china, toys, etc. Much of the trash breaks down over the years ( wood, paper, clothing, metals...) but the glass survives. I don't know why people threw out perfectly good marbles, but they did. And I've heard that kids used to shoot marbles into the rivers with slingshots. Some marbles come out of the river banks, after storms, and roll downstream. We do not dig the banks. We let nature take its course. Thanks for asking! -Cathy🙂

[@lionelzamora4536]

Hi just like my wife's name LOL I live in the San Francisco Bay Area San Jose and Northern California we have the Guadalupe River going through the city and I'm noticed I have found marbles there I want to go back and lightly dig or just walk but I know they're there that River has been there since the beginning of time LOL love your video I just became a subscriber I'm 63 years old I remember in 1963 and 5 years old coming home Saturday afternoons with pockets full of marbles LOL great memories thanks again for your videos take care keep up your great work good day

[@massriverpickers]

Hello Lionel, and welcome to our channel! We find all kinds of stuff in our rivers, but we like finding bottles and marbles the most. I'm working on TWO videos this week. One river video (bottles, etc) and a video showing some marbles I just bought at a bottle show. (My marble river is too high right now) As for river marbles... If your river has sandy bottom, you may be able to swish your feet in the sand and uncover marbles! Drew is about your age, and has collected bottles since he was 10! I've been collecting since I was 15 (bottles) but now I am a marble nut too! Thank you for subscribing! BTW, I took a trip out to Northern Calif in the 1980s It was beautiful! I almost moved out there. -Cathy😃

[@lionelzamora4536]

You know what I forgot to mention I was by the river metal detecting but the ranger stopped me he said there was too many cable wires underneath I said okay he said you can go on the other side no problem so I started looking around and I found an old short wine bottle with the lid I was so happy and surprised so I brought it home and I washed it and put my marbles in it but I usually have my marbles in pickle jars I was so lucky I bought about 500 marbles for $20 I have a Acro agate Superman marble in one of the marble groups he offered me $20 for it but I don't think I want to sell it I'm very fortunate that I got a bunch of vitro agate champion also some cat eye I love these marbles it's really hard for me to sell them now LOL I just want to keep collecting they are a lot of fun they sure take me back to 1963 when I was five playing in the backyard South Texas I remember one day my mom running out of the house drying her hands on her apron and screaming at the top of her lungs shouting they have just killed President John F Kennedy the whole neighborhood was crying we do not own a television then but I watched the funeral procession on TV black and white with my mom and the neighbor it was around November and all the trees were bare no leaves what Memories We were migrant workers so we went throughout the states to pick the fruits and vegetables and we settled in Northern California now I got to go to the Guadalupe River LOL oh boy I'm excited thank you so much for your quick response y'all take care and God bless thanks again love your videos

[@massriverpickers]

@@lionelzamora4536 Wow! Thank you for sharing that memory (JFK). Amazing what a marble or two can bring back to mind! Sounds like you have some nice marbles now. When I was a kid, they were all cat's eyes. I had no idea that there was a whole interesting world of marbles to learn and collect. So I really became a fan as an adult. But when I was very young I collected matchbox cars. I wish I still had them! (I was a tomboy) JFK was just a little before my time (but not Drew's). I remember when John Lennon was shot. I wasn't a huge fan, but it bothered me that someone who stood for peace died the way he did. I was a teenager, not wanting to get up for school.. my mom had the TV on in the next room, and I heard he'd been shot. That woke me up in a hurry! Thanks again Lionel. I will have a marble video up in a day or two.. I'm just finishing editing! -Cathy🙂