Akro Agate Popeye Marbles

Akro Agate Marble Company (1910-1951 )was the only mass producer of corkscrew marbles. One type of the corkscrew marbles became known as "Popeyes." These had two colored spirals on a base composed of clear glass with fine white filaments. The Popeye name arose because these marbles were often sold in boxes on which the cartoon character graced the cover. Actually, other marbles were sold in these boxes as well, and the company actually sold these marbles under the name "Tri-color Onyxes." Generally a Popeye marble is a two-color corkscrews in the white and clear base, but sometimes 3 or more colors were added. To be considered a Popeye by collectors today, the clear base glass must contain fine white filaments.