Pre-Flight ~ No. 000
Welcome to the first update from The Kro™, Issue No. 000, regarding the ongoing process of compiling and producing the forthcoming reference book, The History of Akro Agate Marbles – Identification and Values. This book has been in the works for nearly three years and this first correspondence is being issued to address details and help clarify misconceptions that have been circulating throughout the past year.
It’s most important to note, this is a history book. Facts, not assumptions or fiction are referenced throughout the book. Details on who, why, when and where are addressed with accuracy. The depth of research encompassing this book has never been fully undertaken to compile a reference at this level, a true historical account, registered as such with the Library of Congress. Processes have been taken to incorporate the registered trademarks of the Akro Agate Company properly, through legal license. The Kro™ name and logo design for this newsletter are pending trademark.
Kids Can't Resist Akro Agates
Akro Agates were seen as the most prized marbles a boy or girl could have in their possession. A sleeve of straight shooting, 'perfectly round' glass Akro could cost a kid .o5¢ between 1914 and 1920. That was not cheap when one could acquire handfuls of clay marbles for the same value... but not the same desire. The guilty were not charged. See below.
The Contents
With those important bases covered, the actual content, the history of the company from its establishment and initial rocky start, to its explosive success, and later decline are addressed. The book presents the first methods Akro used to manufacture marbles, including patents issued to persons involved in the company, packaging designs, and advancements in the manufacturing process. These improvements are clearly defined with complete descriptions in the book as to ‘how it worked’ and what set Akro apart from later manufacturers.
The book also covers controversial court cases involving the Akro Agate Company as plaintiffs with accurate analysis from official court records. There are examples of nearly all known versions of marble gift box sets and other bulk packaging as well as individual and group examples of all 23 Akro-named marble types with descriptions. Collector names are referenced where applicable, and current market valuations are provided.
The history of The Akro Agate Company has been extensively researched and is presented in a timeline format from the earliest dates of the company reselling marbles, to manufacturing products of their own and becoming the leader in both toy and industrial marble sales worldwide before ceasing operations and closing its doors in 1951.
Orange Onyx Spiral - 11/16
Collector name: hybrid orange snake
Orange onyx glass, white and orange spiral
Who's Involved
The complex history of The Akro Agate Company is nearly impossible for one person to successfully cover on their own. That said, it should be obvious that there are many minds involved in this endeavor. The website and book production are a joint effort between well known Akro Agate marble collectors and Akro Historians. There are collectors who have given their time and access to their collections for the purpose of photographing box sets, individual marbles and scanning historical records as well as providing access to artifacts which are all important pieces needed to accurately document the history of the company. These contributors are credited and mentioned in the opening acknowledgements of the book. A few are currently referenced in the ‘methods’ section of this website.
The bulk of assembling this history book is the responsibility of Tom O’Connor whose work on this project is nearing three years and includes cover artwork and book design, photography, graphic design and production for the book and website, administrative management and publishing. The History of Akro Agate Marbles – Identification and Values would not be possible without Managing Senior Editor, Sandra Meda, Senior Production Artist, Valory Waligoski, and Technical Editor, Alonzo Fonti.
Lead Developement Editors are Akro Agate Historians George Sourlis and Brian Graham. Valuations of box marble sets, Akro advertising materials, individual marbles and other artifacts are provided by Robert H. Geis, Hansel deSousa and Roger and Claudia Hardy. Together with the help and consulting of some prominent collectors including Gary Dolly, Alphy Bard, professional glass artists, and vintage toy marble dealers, the final publication proves to be a very accurate, historical account of The Akro Agate Company.
Akro Agate marble thieves caught
In case you don't have a magnifying glass handy... the type is actually very clear for a 109 year old newspaper, but here's the skinny. There were five boys arrested between the ages of 9 and 14. Three of the boys were the actual thieves, pulling about 2,600 marbles packed in cartons from a boxcar that was being loaded. The two mentioned in the first article, which was actually published after this one, were exonerated from the actual thievery. All of the marbles were recovered and Akro Agate Co. did not press charges due to the boys youth. Detective White, who cracked the case, was honored. It's actually a pretty humorous story and could have been any of us Akroholics. Keep this article in mind for future reference.
Estimated Print Date
As of today, February 25. 2025, The History of Akro Agate Marbles proof print date is not set. This is the online version of The Kro™ Issue No. 000, which is sent to subscribers who have signed up to be notified and updated through email when The Kro™ is issued and to learn when the book will be completed. The email contains the links to this online, enhanced version. You can sign up on The Store page if you haven’t already.
Look for the next issue :: No. 00.1 – Always Shoot Straight
Book Statistics
Availability
Hardcover 9×12, page count approx. 250.
Cover Artwork
Akro Agates® and Shoot Straight As A Kro Flies® are Registered Trademarks owned by Rhyne & Son, Inc., licensed to Akro Agate Marbles.
Popeye® © 2025 King Features Syndicate, Inc., licensed to Akro Agate Marbles.
The KroTM and all other contents, copy, photography and artwork are copyright © akroagatemarbles.com published by Akro Agate Marbles.
This book truly is a joint effort between a group of passionate Akro Agate collectors from all walks of life. It is nearing completion after three years of compiling decades of research dedicated to uncovering facts and little known details about The Akro Agate Company. The ultimate goal is to put a lot of speculation and assumptions to rest. We think we have succeeded.
The History of Akro Agate Marbles
~ Identification and Values ~
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featured akro agates
Trionyx Spirals
Sizes pictured: #0 (5/8″)
Collector name: Hybrid Popeye
