This is easily one of my favorite early marbles from Gateson that I've ever sold. This was from only the 2nd year that Gateson sold his Universe marbles, but it is seriously packed with so much sweet spacey goodness! The star fields, the deep space fuming, the planets, and of course, the crushed opal planet all make this one AMAZING Universe marble. This was the first Universe marble where I ever saw Gateson use his crushed opal tech, and my mind basically melted when I saw it, ha ha. I can't think of a better way to show a planet being blasted and disintegrating into a thousand little flaming pieces! Absolutely incredible glass work, and just one of the myriad of things that sets this incredible glass innovator apart from the pack (who have chased behind him for well over a decade now). Take a look at that green planet - it's a Bubble Planet!! Ha ha, how killer is that! The pics show it all, but it's SO much better in hand, with an incredible array of space happening inside. This is one of the best examples of early Gateson you'll ever find! Signed 'Gateson 2003'.