CASH IN THE ATTIC

EVERY week we give the low-down on the value of forgotten treasures that may be gathering dust at home.

IF YOU have not lost your marbles – but hoarded some old favourites up in the loft you might have a treasure trove worth hundreds of pounds.

Schoolboy classics of the early 20th Century such as Popeyes, Peltiers and Peerless Patches used to fight it out in the playground with Oxbloods, Egg Yokes, Onion Skins and Aggies. In top condition each glass piece fetches £5 or more.

The modern marble began to be produced in 1870 when manufacturers found a way of making a perfect sphere without leaving any mark behind. Some of these were known as sulphides – and were glass balls with clay figures inside, above.

These can change hands for £100. But find a particularly fine example made of coloured glass and containing a figure and you can be looking at a £500 investment.

The modern ‘cat’s eye’ marbles started to be massproduced and imported from Japan in the 1950s. Sadly these are worth pennies – not pounds – and you are better off playing with them than trying to make a sale. Website britishmarbles.org. uk offers rules of the game.