Yep, a Lead-Clad Glass Marble: But Why?
We learn a lot of interesting things from the comments we receive from this magazine and from emails from readers of our book The Secret Life of Marbles. We enjoy hearing from readers.
Just awhile ago we received this intriguing email sent from an iphone.
A Remarkable Email
“I found this lead coated marble while metal detecting in Connecticut ….” That’s all. The reader sent this photograph.. Well, it certainly does look like lead cladding over a glass marble. The whole artifact looks almost elliptical. And are those mold lines around the lead? Made in a snap or two piece mold?
More Information, Please
Of course, we wrote to the sender for more information; especially the size. We got a quick response and more photos.
“Hi I hope everything is well. …I measured it, if you notice it is not exactly round don’t know if it was discarded because of that. I found it at a local beach in Milford Connecticut at low tide in the sand bar, thought it may be just junk bling, jewelry, or cracker Jack prize. I have been Metal Detecting for years a fascinating hobby, with many surprises. You never know what’s under that coil. Stay well … Walt Kupson”.
We can see a fairly large bubble and there may be more. Is that some kind of blue vane in the glass? Can it be a Cat’s eye?
Quick note: The seacoast town of Milford was founded in 1639 and did experience the Revolutionary War onshore and off. It is now a picturesque little town with a proud history.
Can You Help Us?
Usually our posts raise questions and then give some possible answers. Not this time. We have one lead-clad glass marble and a lot of questions:
How was it made?
How old is it?
Have you ever seen one?
Does the glass help to date it?
Why ever clad a glass marble?
How was it used?
Is it a “one off” to fill the maker’s immediate needs?
Why was it found in the ocean on a sand bar?
Help us out. Send us a message on the Contacts page. Thanks.
Reader responses to this post:
…”I find even more interesting is the lead line marble. That’s a mind bender that one. I mean if it was for jewelry why use lead easy to use but it is soft material and if it was found in the ocean it must have been used on a ship for some reason? Let me think on that one for a while see what I can dig up also if it’s a hint of a cat’s eye it is modern and some kid might have used it as a colorful sinker for fishing. A bit over the top though bloody interesting find love to hear what you can find out about it. I love the unusual marble stories.”
Email received from John R. Wojtczak, Australia
“I have seen and heard of a few of these but have no idea why they exist. One story I will never believe is some type of bullet. As most are around glass marbles so muzzle loaders are out of the question.”
Email received from Galen W. Wilcox, Valleijo, CA
