The Champion Agate Company was founded in Pennsboro, West Virginia, in 1938. In the mid-1970s production ceased of all types of marbles with the exception of Chinese checker marbles. Champion revived two old styles in 1983 and 1984, which included the "Whirlwind" and "Old Fashioned." Other types did appear in subsequent years, namely the "Furnace" or "Special Run" marbles of 1994.

​

One particular type sought by collector's is the Furnace Swirl