METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
Feb, 2007
by Michael Blood
The end of January and beginning of February was the annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.
As always, this event provides the strongest single indicator of the direction of the Meteorite
Market.
This year surprised even me, as prices had increased in most areas very significantly. I knew there
was an increase in progress, but did not realize the magnitude. Last year had shown an increase in
prices, but this year was perhaps three times the increase as was last year's.
There were still one or two Martians available in the $500/g range and at least one Lunar under
$1K/g - at about $800/g. However, pallasites were nearly at an all time high and many, many
historic falls were as high, nearly as high or higher than I have ever seen them. Finds were still
lagging a bit, however, though definately rising as well.
Interestingly enough, the NWA material was the most variable in pricing from category type to
category type, and some very good buys could still be had on some of the super rare types.
However, H and L and LL3s have climbed nearly to the levels as high as ever charged on most
of the domestic 3s. In addition, oriented stones are higher priced than ever - both domestic and
NWA.
Sikhote-Alins could be had for under $1/g if bought by the Kilo at the right place. However, in
my opinion, the material is now almost exclusively 3 rd rate in quality compared to the hay day
several years back when it could be had by the piece for under 40c/g! That doesn't mean it was
rusty junk - just far less interesting than was available then, though a few hand picked specimens
were very good. Of course, you couldn't get the lower price on picked ones, which seemed to
average about $2/g now.
Most hammers were particularly high priced, much to my disappointment. (many dealers have
bemoaned the low prices of recent years, which I never understood. I make the same % on
$1,000.oo invested whether the prices are low or high, so, low is preferable to me, as I can provide
more bang for the buck.
The New Campost have decreased in quality and increased in price, so, the days of the New
Campos are numbered. Some good ones could still be had, but the percentage of quality
pieces is lowering while their kilo price is increasing.
In any event, the auction presented the best prices I saw at the show, though in many instances
pieces did bring more than in the past and in a few cases, much more. Of course, there were
plenty that sold at real bargain prices, especially some of the Martian material entered at the
last moment - but other items, as well.
Over all, I would say, even taking the auction into consideration, prices were "up" and markedly
so. There are still plenty of bargains to be had, but they are decreasing, not increasing, in
number. The Tucson Show still presents the single greatest opportunity for both variety and
bargains, but the prices have risen there and can only be expected to go up from that level.
Besides our favorites, Angel and I ate at two new restaurants this year that are well worth
going to during future shows. One was La Parrilla Suiza at 2720 N. Oracle, just up the road
from Inn Suites several blocks past the Birthday Bash, Fossil Co-Op & La Fuente.
They were surprisingly good with prices noticeably lower than El Charro and La Fuente.
They specialize in more sothern food than the Sonoran food of the other two. I particularly
enjoyed the green Chilaquillis and the sautéed onions with the queso fondu. Everything we
ate was delicious, though I tasted the red Chilaquillis and did not enjoy them nearly as much
as the green.
The other "new" restraunt at which we ate was Little Abner's Steak House at 8501 N Silverbell
Rd. It is a bit out there, off Ina. Fred Olson's old college roommate is part of a band that plays
there. They are a combination of Blue Grass, Folk and Western - and VERY entertaining. They
were given standing ovations several times while we were eating and it was hard to leave them
when we were done.
They serve a limited menue of meat all grilled over a huge Mesquite log gill. They serve chicken,
NY strip, T Bone and Porterhouse stakes. The T Bone is "only" a pound, but the Porterhouse
is 34 OZ - and absolutely delicious. Even I could not finish off an entire stake and I enjoyed the
remainder for an entirely separate dinner. The Porterhouse was $32, but given the size and
quality it was well worth it - and then you get the "concert" thrown in on top of that, which
makes this place a delightful bargain. (These guys really are entertaining).
Until next time, Michael
December 2006
by Michael Blood
Just seems that it recently happened, but we are, again, already facing THE meteorite event
of the year: The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show. This year the Birthday Bash will be Fri, Feb.2
and the Auction Sat, Feb. 3. I assume Al Lang will have his annual "silent auction" on Sat,
Feb. 3 as well. So, the week leading up to and that weekend will see the majority of meteorite
dealers and a slew of serious collectors gathered all in one place, selling, trading, bargaining,
bragging, lying, drinking and, at least in Blaine's room, a good many other things not quite
seemly to put in print - but valued moments, none the less. There will be the now famous
Harvey Awards at the Birthday Bash and a slew of killer pieces available at the auction - the
vast majority of which will be at truly no minimum - something that makes any meteoritic
enthusiast's mouth water - here there are well over 100 pieces, some of which are worth
thousands, and a very finite number of collectors and dealers with definitely finite pocket
books, so, ANYTHING is possible - people have made outrageous buys - yet, any given item
may strike the fancy of two, three or even more buyers and go for much more than anyone
would have expected. Oh, and people have been known to have a few drinks, as well - and
not just at the auction, you can be sure. This is where the stories, lies, bragging and more than
a few confessions come in. If you don't believe me, just try hanging out at Blains once "after
hours."
So, what does all this have to do with "the meteorite market?" Well, to my never ending
astonishment, despite the fact that nearly every dealer there will be offering material lower
than at any other time throughout the year - and certainly auction prices are no measure of
"market value" yet, the perception persists that what things sell for in Tucson are some how
indicative of what a given fall or find is "worth." Ha! If so, show me where you are buying
at such prices! I'll tell you where.... only at Tucson. That is the beauty of this event.
This does not mean, however, there are never any market determinants related to the show.
There are. For instance, it is at the Tucson Show when people became unexpectedly aware
that the price of Sikhote-Aline had risen sharply. This when every Russian dealer suddenly
was asking two and even three dollars a gram after several years of declining prices which
had gone as low as under 40cents a gram. Suddenly, no more "cheap" S-A. (And believe me,
dealers base prices as much on "replacement cost" as they do on what they paid for a given
specimen) It is also were people "got it" that whole Gibeons were no longer plentiful, and are,
in fact, now very scarce and tending to be four to six times as expensive as they were as
recently as a few years ago. Similarly, the Tucson Show is where one gets the first hint of
availability and GENERAL pricing of "new" material such as the Seymchan and Fukang
pallasites. However, other than such instances, the show is the only place most of the prices
across the board will ever be offered - and that is particularly true, of course, of the auction
items. (One other place of note is the last couple of years with Bob Haag offering previously
unavailable main masses and others of his personal collection pieces)
I have been attending the Tucson Show since before I was an undergraduate - many years before
I knew you could actually own a meteorite. Then, once I did start collecting meteorites, Tucson
was a show I simply could not afford to miss. I could tell you stories of stuff I DIDN'T buy
(and should have) at prices that would make you cry. Still, year after year I come home lamenting
some opportunity I let slip through my hands..... and the regret sometimes lingers for years. It is
the nature of the beast. SO many goodies, and always the stinking limited amount of cash.
Now, for those of you that can't make the show.... here is a "secret" you may or may not have
figured out for yourself: four to six weeks before the show many dealers are fiercely trying to put
together funds for opportunities to buy this or that and they will sell some of their stock for far
less than they otherwise would. This is particularly true of stock they have been offering for a
year or more and of stock they have multiples of. Most dealers would not dream of offering
some of this stuff at "below market" because it would undermine the prices of their remaining
stock. However, they would be happy to sell a piece below market to raise show money if the
price is never advertised. So, if you have been drooling over something a dealer has had for a
while or of which he has many pieces, you might make an offer lower than would otherwise be
accepted and get away with it this time of year. Also, of course, dealers will also often offer
prices lower when trying to put together money for the show and so sales are quite real at this
time (very different than some dealers who raise their prices for a month or two, then offer "a
sale" at the price they were asking just a couple of months earlier) . The irony is that such
very real sales are offered just before or right after Christmas - a time when most collectors
suspend their spending on meteorites, ann thus miss out on such bargains. So, if you are not
going to the show, you would do well to save asside some of yoiur meteorite money to spend
at this crucial time of year.
If you ARE going to the Tucson Show, there is a secret word you should always remember:
"cash." In fact, some rich dude (Donald Trump) titled an entire book CASH IS KING. Now,
I am not talking "good" checks - I am talking green money type cash - and I am not talking
about making a show of it in front of other prospective customers. If you are looking at
spending a large enough amount of it, you can sometimes get some fabulous deals - especially
if you are willing to spend your last cent. Most dealers are like very good poker players and
will know if you are bluffing. So, this is one way to go - just before you are ready to leave,
count up every cent you can spend, remember something you really want you have seen at the
show that is not too much more expensive than that and tell the dealer, "Look, this is all I have
left. If you will take this much for it, I will buy X." This will often work when you are down
to your last dollars or few hundred dollars. However, if you have, say, some SERIOUS money,
you need not wait until the last day. You can simply ask to speak to the dealer alone, show him
the cash and say you will pay X amount for Y item. However, only do this if you are willing to
walk away and not look back if he does not agree. If you are really willing to pay more, he will
know it and such an approach is a ploy and not an "honest" offer - rather more like an opening
gambit. Most dealers will sense this and you will get nowhere with it. Better, if you are willing
to pay what is being asked, just ask the dealer, "What is the best price you would sell this to me
for?" He will often give you a brake, even if it is "only" 5 or 10% - that can be a lot of money
on a high priced item.
Then, there is the auction.....man, it just doesn't get any better than that. (Of course, I am not
biased!)
So, while next month I will have a lot more specifics for you about the show, itself, this is a good
"primer" for those getting ready to go - and even those that are not able to go.
If you haven't been there before, be ready to have your socks knocked off. If you have been, then
you know very well what I am talking about. Oh, and don't forget to hang out in the bars and lunch
rooms and get to know your fellow internet friends in person. And whatever you do, don't miss the
Birthday Bash or the Auction, both of which are well worth coming to early.
Until Next month - Happy Hunting! Michael
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
by Michael Blood
October, 2006
The Meteorite Market in the month of September was reflected primarily in the Denver Show.
The Denver Show was relatively small (limited activity) with the following meteorites continuing
their market trends:
Sikhote-Alines were selling at the increased rate of a couple of dollars a gram with even the
multi kilo sized specimens priced at over $1 per gram. Furthermore, they were available in
increasingly smaller numbers relative to recent years, with most Russian dealers having no
more than a couple hundred small specimens each, at most. Furthermore, the large specimens
were reported as being inferior both in form and in surface quality in comparison to only a
year or two ago.
Unclassified NWA material was available at 14c/g with completely rigid resistance to any
negotiation re discounts regardless of quantity purchased. This is in stark contrast to the
same material continuing (at least for now) to be available on eBay at only 5c/g. Expect this
situation to change dramatically the moment old stock has been exhausted. This unclassified,
strait run material will very soon be at least 15c/g in any and all venues. It is only a question
of when.
Lunar material continues to hold at mostly $1,000/g at the low end, with a couple of Dhofars
dipping as low as $700/g. Of course, the more interesting material is more costly. Likewise,
Martian material is holding steady while witnessed falls, especially older ones, continue their
steady increase.
In other words, the entire market is climbing and you can expect a tripling of cost of Unclassified
strait run NWA material in the reasonably near future, along with slowly increasing prices of
witnessed falls, especially true of the older falls. I would venture to say the older the fall, the more
rapid the increase in price one can expect.
A word of warning: recently a rather large quantity of yet to be officially classified "lunar"
material was sold to a dealer who passed it on to his buyers. When it was finally classified,
it turned out not to be lunar. Fortunately for all concerned but the dealer, he is an honest
and reliable person and has been refunding in full. However, this stands as an example of
how risky it is to purchase or sell material supposed to be this or that, but which has not
yet officially been classified.
While the Denver Show did little more than to verify the market trends of the last few months
its passing marks the beginning of anticipation of The Big Show, itself - that being Tucson, of
course. What that will bring is yet to be seen, but it should, as always, be most interesting. This
is the one show that not only reflects the market but also influences and, at least in part, sets it.
Until next time, happy hunting - Michael
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
by Michael Blood
September, 2006
The market continues to strengthen as prices across the board continue
their (relatively) slow rise.Some items continue to lead the pack, increasing
at a significantly faster pace than the norm:
Lunars are a particular strength, now reaching $2,500-, having dropped to
an all time low under $1000/g for the cheapest varieties. Similar, though
less dramatic than a 250% increase, are the Martians.
Since the Moss fall in early August - see article at: http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article1415787.ece?service=print
the price brought by NWA CO meteorites has climbed to about $20/g from
an all time low of under $5/g - sometimes far under $5/g on eBay. Not so since
the Moss fall (which is not only a hammer, having struck a building, but also
thought to be a CO, pending lab analysis). NWA CVs have also jumped, going
over $12/g - actually bringing more than the best buys still occasionally found
on Allende. Moss, itself, is holding fast at $200/g and people are paying it, though
Mike Farmer the other day suddenly suspended all sales of his Moss material,
stating once he polished a piece it looked like nothing he has ever seen and won't
sell more than the committed pieces until after lab analysis. This flamed speculation
of this new fall being anything from a Winonaite to a Kakangari type to " something
we have never seen before." When you combine a hammer with a rare typology -
then throw in significant rarity (only a few Kg TKW), you have the makings of a
very expensive meteorite. Those who purchased right away may be counting their
blessings if this turns out to be more rare that a CO.
Overall, in August meteorites across the board continued to increase in price
at an accelerated rate greater than in the previous few months.
An additional factor effecting the market is the clear indication of an influx of
new meteorite collectors. I had two or three times as many people ask to be included
in my email sales list this month than in any month ever before. Likewise, I note a
dramatic increase in meteorite bidders on eBay with a "0" rating, indicating they
had NEVER completed a single eBay transaction. A significant increase in the number
of new collectors coupled with the drying up of NWA in general and in some countries
the closing down of exports all make a very powerful combination of factors for
increased demand coupled with decreased supply - a case right out of an economics text
book for an increases in prices.
However, as stated many times before, prices are STILL lower now than they are
likely to ever be again - at least in the foreseeable future, so, even though market prices
are increasing, it is definitely still the time to buy, as every single indicator implies
prices will continue to increase through the indefinite future.
Until next time, it is Michael, wishing you HAPPY HUNTING!
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
By Michael Blood
August, 2006
This month just a few observations hither and yon....Kainsaz was at $5/g and is now back
to up to $50/g.This following a couple of Russian dealers dumping a moderately sizable amount
of Kainsaz material on the market. As soon as it was all snapped up, it immediately returned
to its pre-dump price. (This reminds me of when a private collector wanted me to sell multiple
specimens of Nakhla, "at any price you can get - but sell it now." I sold a bunch at $2,000/gram
and when it didn't all sell, I sold it at $1,200/gram. One buyer complained the value of his
purchase {at $2K/g} had been diminished, but I convinced him he should actually get more
at $1,200/g.... he did, and since then it cannot be found for less than $4K/g.) The point here
is that in such situations, you are not faced with your collection diminishing in value, rather
you are being given an golden opportunity to purchase far below market value at a price
that will disappear as soon as the stock being offered is sold. This rarely happens away
from the Tucson Show, and it is not usually nearly so dramatic, even at Tucson, so, when
given the opportunity you must determine whether you are facing a major downward trend
in the price of the particular material you are being offered or whether you are being
offered a one time shot at a super low price. If the latter, failure to jump on it will almost
always be followed by regret.
Symchin is now bring about $8 to $10/g after selling at the last Tucson Tucson show as low
as $5 to $6/g. This is still a very good buy for a splendid Pallasite. (no, I don't have any for
sale).
Prices of all historical falls, both US and European, continue to rise at a rate much greater
than the market average. This is even more dramatically played out in the arena of witnessed
falls that have struck something. Even the most modest hammer (other than Valera) now sells
for a minimum of $25/g with most others selling for much more. Those very hard to get are
often available only if one is willing to pony up $250/g! (I know because I have had to pay that
on several occasions to "fill a hole" in my own collection). Meanwhile, Valera, one of the greatest
hammers is up to $10/g from all time lows of $6/g and even less. At $10/g it is still so very under
priced it takes my breath away. (This puppy is a highly documented cow killer) However,
so much of this material is "on the market" that unless the main mass goes into an institution,
further price increases can reasonably be expected to remain far more moderate than other
hammers. The other exception, of course, is Sylacauga at the other extreme of the spectrum.
It cannot be had at any price. I had to trade lunar and Martian material in the range of
$5,000 to $10,000/g when I got my modest piece years ago, and I have not seen it available
elsewhere at ANY price since.
Speaking of Martian material... this has come way up from as low as $150/g only 2 years
ago for the cheapest find to nothing under $1,000/g now, other than a few showings of
Zagami at as low as $400/g. This post-ALH 84001 all time low occurred right after Bob
Haag dropped a couple of full slices at $150/g a while back to pay for his splendid wire saw.
Once this material has all been resold, look for Zagami to pull right back up to well over
$1K/g. So, if you want a nice sized piece of Zagami for your collection, NOW is the time
(no, I don't have any for sale, myself. Since I have found it necessary to make such a
comment, I guess I would reveled that I find it most fascinating I am not infrequently
accused of using this forum to market my own material... I guess that is an inevitable
reaction from some, since I AM a dealer. However, 95% of the material I talk about in
these columns I do not have in stock, myself, or have only one or two small pieces for
sale, even then).
Most of the common NWA chondrites are selling for as much as (and some for even
more than) many of the common chondrite US finds.
While "unsorted" NWA material is no longer available, there are still very low priced lots
of 1 Kg and up for dirt cheap, but these are "4th and 5th tier" quality material - i.e. broken,
weathered, thoroughly picked through, etc. Still, look for this material to either disappear, |
or, more likely, disappear following a rise in price as time goes by.
NWA 869 has gone from readily available at 10 cents/g to less available at 20c/g.
Sikhote-Alin is now well over $1/g and can be found offered as high as over $3/g. Certainly,
truly exceptional specimens (highly oriented, displaying holes or having other exceptional qualities)
sell for well over $3/g and sometimes well over $10/g, and in rare cases, for MUCH more.
Small Campos with character are bringing eye popping prices, but decent New Campos can
still be had for very low prices.
Prediction: expect prices to remain stable as they slowly increase in the coming months.
Sharp increases will likely be seen in select types, similar to the increases seen recently in Martian
and S-A material. Lunar prices have been steadily climbing as well and will certainly continue to
do so unless new material is discovered in quantities which act to keep down or even lower prices
of lunar real estate.
Overall, the market continues to offer exceptional bargains, but also continues to slowly inch
upward while leapfrogging in some instances. It will not be all that long before today's prices
will be looked upon with great sighing and woulda, coulda, shoulda commentary. As the song
goes, "these are the good old days!"
Until next time, Michael
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
July, 2006
by Michael Blood
A combination of a "drying up" of finds and new laws - or new
enforcement policies of old laws have combined to result in a
significant constriction of material coming out of Africa. The
results have been interesting:
1) Some dealers are still selling bulk lots at the old prices - or
even lower. Certainly lower than the price at which they can be
replaced. (I suspect, however, these lots have been "high-graded"
much more thoroughly than in the past). While this is counter
intuitive, my theory (and Lord knows I could be wrong) the vast
majority of meteorite dealers operate with such dependence upon
a "cash flow" dynamic that little of this material will be held back
by the dealers, themselves. Of course, there will always be a few
exceptions.
2) Some of the biggest sellers of NWA material report a 30% increase
in prices of rarer material in just the last couple of months. It should
be noted that a 30% increase over unbelievably dirt cheap is still very,
very inexpensive. I predict this increase will steadily continue - the only
question is: at what rate? 10% per month? Faster? Slower? We will see.
3) Dealers are reporting and I am witnessing a similar increase in prices
of the non-African falls - about 30% give or take, depending on the fall.
4) I have witnessed a similar increase in non-African Finds. This is
particularly noteworthy, as non-African finds of non-rare typologies
have suffered the most from the last 5 or 6 years of the flood of NWA
material.
5) Prices of "hammers" (meteorites that have struck man made objects,
animals or humans) have increased the most. This I know, as I collect
hammers, personally - and have been attempting to build up a stock
of said specimens. I have been flabbergasted at the doubling and
quadrupling of prices of most of this material. I question, however, to
what degree this specific sector of the market has been affected by NWA
import degreases. Still, it is a significant market trend - more because
of the profound increase rather than the number of falls involved, which
is within very narrow limits - I now have compiled a "combined" list
(inspired, initially by the list compiled by Walter Branch) that includes
only about 110 falls - I don't count roads, but one that hit a haystack did
make the list). So, while limited in number, the price increase in just the
last year or two is staggering. (easily 100 to 400% increases in most cases).
So, "what does it all mean?" Well, fairly strait forwardly - prices are
going up. No question about it. In most cases, not horribly so, so far, but
quite clearly there is a significant increase in prices - and every reason
to believe said increase will continue.
For years I have proclaimed the inevitability of this event. A couple of years
ago I began hearing others express the same thing. Well, folks, it is here.
The good news is that prices are still dirt cheap - just not as phenomenally
dirt cheap as a few months ago. However, I suggest collectors (and dealers)
look at the situation thusly:
You can no longer buy dollar bills for betwen 2 cents to a nickel.
They now are going to cost you between 8 cents and a dime.
Not too bad, eh?
Until next time, Michael
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
June, 2006
by Michael Blood
On May 20 Afonso Armando wrote the following regarding the activities
of overseas meteorite hunters in general, and of Mike Farmer and Bob Haag
in particular. It is with Afonso's permission that his post is entered below
and I do so not because I agree or disagree with his position on the matter,
but rather that I believe there are more than one way of looking at things -
and, in fact, almost always more that two or three ways.... and each way
of looking at it is as "realistic" or valid as any other. Somehow this relative
nature of reality seams to be escaping people right and left - no pun intended!
(NOTE: spelling has been corrected - where applicable and corrected grammar
corrections are noted by [ ].
"In 1968, an Ataxite of 25 kg [fell] in Alandroal, not far of the popular Ourique.
The authorities came immediately, and confiscated the stone, to store it temporarily
at the local prison. Days after, it was moved to the national museum, were it was
analyzed and where it remains [on] display today. This is the meteoritic reference
for thousands of Portuguese students. I still remember, when I was a kid, of the
impact it made on me. I have al the reasons to be convicted, then, that this is the
way that [these types of] things have to be done.
"In 1998, another meteorite [fell], and this time, most of it was sold to tourists, and
dispersed like toys [on] ebay, finishing as key chains, glued to a piece of paper, or
something.
"Between the 2 episodes, please choose:
In the first case, the stone was studied and saved to the benefit [and enrichment] of
all of us. These things are cultural [objects], yes. In a universal sense.
In the second case, if someone benefited from it, it was the tourists who were able
to take it from poor people for pocket money, to resell it at the prices that we know.
"If your neighbor does not close the door, it does not [mean] that his TV can be
harvested, or collected, by some "smart" guy, does it?
If the Alandroal meteorite was found today, it would sell for a few bucks, and would
end [up] in someone´s office as a decorative item, like a Campo del Ciello. That
would be a BIG loss to us, Portuguese natives. I mean it.
"In the book of R. Norton, "rocks from space" it is described how Bob Haag
"extracted" from an African (synonymous of stupid, between the lines) country, a
valuable stone. That was done after a psychological maneuver, to take it from the
hands of the museum curator - he exchanged it for the equivalent of the colored glass
beads of 'diplomatic procedures' with natives, of other times, ie for voluminous
rubbish.
"This and other similar stories are presented like [comic] pieces. This is a predator
attitude, and I think that those persons, principally their descendents, were abused
[by taking advantage of] their naivety.
"I think that Oman is poorer today than it was a month ago, if you understand.
Obviously I am going to be called of radical, communist, or something like that. Or
that I am only jealous for not having used the opportunity [to] take the TV myself.
After all the stupid neighbor is sleeping. He deserves it."
--
Now, before moving on to the topic of "exploitation" in general, I would like to
specifically address the cases of Mike and Bob. And first off, I would like to note
that Mike, himself, quite adequately defended his actions in regards to Orique:
--
Mike Farmer:
"The Ourique meteorite fell on December 28, 1998. I heard about it in APRIL 1999,
nearly 5 MONTHS later. I jumped on a plane the next day and upon arriving in
Ourique, I found over 3.5 KILOGRAMS of fragments scattered all over the ground.
I purchased another 6 kilograms of fragments from nearly 50 people, since the entire
village had come to the fall site and collected pieces."
Also, the pieces Mike gathered were primarily lying in a water filled pot hole in the
road and would have eroded to oblivion had he not recovered them. Since he purchased
the other pieces from locals who had gathered them as souvenirs, he in no way blocked
scientific efforts in any sense or by any definition.
In regards to Oman, my understanding is that the laws of Oman have to do with
"antiquities" which by definition are artifacts - man made objects and, therefore, not
applicable to meteorites. Additionally, what he collects in the desert would also be lost
to time through weatjhering and to shifting sands. While various law enforcement
practices may vary in response to such collecting (ie what happened to Ivan, John and
the 6 or 7 others in that country a while back) my understanding is there is nothing
specified in the laws of Oman that prohibit collecting or exporting meteorites.
As for Bob, even as the story is told by O Richard Norton, Bob took an entire collection
of meteorites to that museum with no demand whatsoever, and merely hoping they
would offer him some unknown amount of the Zagami stone. It was not $26 worth
of beads, but rather something more like a substantial $100,000 representative collection
with material of nearly every type known and many well known falls. At that time
no private collectors, to my knowledge, had any Martian material, whatsoever, so,
whatever they were going to offer him, he would likely have accepted. Perhaps some
would suggest he should have told them, "Oh, no, no, don't give me that much!" However,
most would agree that unless they had offered 90% or more, that would be an entirely
unrealistic expectation. No, instead, they offered him about 1/3 rd of the stone - leaving
themselves the lion's share - a hefty 67% and, now they also had a huge representative
collection of meteorites. The fact that Bob made out handsomely is a byproduct of his
ingenuity and his generosity! Remember, Bob went over there offering THEM one hell
of a collection and not requesting any specific amount of the Zagami stone in return.
Of course, he was, no doubt, delighted to be offered, what was it, 17 Lbs? Good on him.
However, I'd bet my bippy he would have taken 100 grams if that had been their offer.
So, Bob's generosity and openness served him exceptionally well.
( I am always amazed at the envy expressed by a minority of dealers I know toward Bob).
I have rarely met a more positive and upbeat person. Yes, he has had great good fortune -
but as in football, "luck" most often has to do with how you are playing the game to begin
with. It should also be pointed out that Bob did NOT gouge the meteorite collecting
community regarding the price he placed on Zagami when he sold it, either. Yes, yes,
I know, even at a modest price 17 Lbs will make you rich (remember, this was the ONLY
SNC available at the time) but that is not the point - the fact is he shared the good fortune.
Still, people resent him and even accuse him of "taking advantage" of the curators of the
Zagami stone. Odd. Odd, indeed.
Now, as for "taking advantage" of other cultures by finding meteorites and exporting them
or buying them "for a fraction of their value" and reselling them for "great profit." I am
sorry, but I just cannot equate this with stealing your neighbor 's TV because he left the
door open while napping.There have been endless discussions as to what the "value" of
a meteorite is. The bottom line always ends up, "what someone is willing to pay for it."
Now, I would add you must also consider for how much someone is willing to sell it. The
collecting public may value, say Allende at $4/gram, but if there are no dealers - no one
at all, willing to sell it for under $6 per gram, THEN what is it "worth?" Not only do you
have a "Mexican stand off," but by the time someone is willing to come up with $6/g, the
price asked may have risen even higher. Conversely, what if several people are willing to
sell it for $2/g...Then what is it "worth?"
Therefore, when one goes to an African country and they offer to sell you meteorites for
7.5 cents a gram or, if you buy 1000 Kg or more, 4.5c a gram are you "taking advantage"
of them if you pay what they are asking? What if you get 1000kg - but when you get back
you decide you would rather keep them all indefinitely than sell them for less than 25c per
gram? Are you then "taking advantage" of the buying collectors here?
In other words, if no one is holding a gun to the buyer or seller's head, nearly every
transaction is "fair." Or, more realistically put, at least that is one way to look at it,
and that way of looking at it is as realistic as any.
Likewise, if the law does not prohibit collecting or exporting meteorites, how can the
person doing so be considered exploitive? This is especially the case when every major
hunter and dealer I know works so closely with the scientific community, keeping them
"in the loop," as it were.
Before closing, I would like to again point out that just because you agree (or disagree)
with what I am saying, that doesn't mean it is the only realistic, factual or accurate way
of looking at it.
Of course, I could be wrong. My wife assures me I most frequently am.
Until next time, Michael
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
March, 2006
by Michael Blood
Since The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show is the most
significant single event yearly influencing the meteorite
market, as usual, I will devote the March article to
reporting on same.
This year was dominated by the 1400 oriented Brenham
find by Steve Arnold and his partner, Phil Mani which
Marty Zinn placed on display with armed guards at the
Inn Suites, the preeminent motel for meteorite dealers.
Angel and I got a late start Sunday in the motor home,
and spent the night "dry camping" in a parking lot in
El Centro. This made the Monday drive to Tucson a
leisurely one and I got to stop by the Mike Farmer/Jim
Strope/Eric Olsen room, which I decided in retrospect
had the most impressive stock on display – multiple lunars,
Martians and all kinds of other cool stuff, including their
giant most recent lunar. Eric was somewhere else, so Jim
and Mike were up to their usual Animal House frat boy
routines. Suffice it to say they were enjoying the show.
Stopped by Bruno & Carine's & they had their usual premo
specimens, as well as impressive Middle Eastern antiques.
The last place I caught before dark drove the dealers away
to dinner or wherever they go after they close their doors,
was ET's. He had a huge D'Orbigany on a shelf, and next to
it a couple of large stones he said were a lunar and a Martian.
Later, it turned out this was a joke on Mike and Jim that was
unfortunately carried on throughout the show. He had
some really nice specimens and was kind enough to give me
a price I couldn't refuse on a couple of oriented, 100% black
fusion crusted NWA stones not yet named. Real beauties they
were.
The next day I got to see the other rooms at Inn Suites, including
Eduardo, who always has a wide variety of goodies, Alain & Luis
Carion, the Labennes, and a stop by Marvin Killgore's old room
now converted to advertise the U of A Southwest Meteorite
Center. His Fuking pallasite acrylic displays were spectacular
and he reported highly favorable responses to his outreach at
the show.
Tuesday Angel and I went to visit the Alpaca ranch about 35
miles east of Tucson and day dream about getting pet Alpacas.
We are both moved by their regal gentleness.
Alpaca (Click on Photo to enlarge)
Wednesday brought more visits to dealers, including Blaine's, at
which Mike Martinez was in particularly good spirits. Blaine's is
always a relaxing place to hang out and I find myself never failing
to find something I have to buy from him, and this year was no
exception. I was also fortunate enough to find the clicker seller –
those fascinating magnets you throw into the air that click wildly.
I got about 15 pairs for gifts to children and adults young at heart.
This was the day of the solute to Steve and Phil at Inn Suites and
photos were to be had, food to be eaten, friends with whom to
connect, etc. I finally met Hal Povenmire in person after countless
phone contacts over the years.
Steve & Phil (Click on Photo to enlarge)
Thursday is a blur...but did involve a process of several days with Steve
and Phil & in which my respect for Steve deepened & I was privilaged
to come to know Phil much better. I surely hope they both are richly
rewarded for their efforts in bringing in the big one.
Friday culminated in a better than ever Birthday Bash and people
seemed to be in better humor than ever. More quality time to talk
to people and simply terrific energy through the duration of the
party. Steve, Phil and Geoff graciously accepted "The People's Harvey
Awards" and declared they will be a yearly feature of the festivities.
Saturday was my auction, the preparation of which occupied the
the entire day. The U of A SWMC lectures were hugely popular
and people enthusiastically endorsed a repeat performance next
year.
This year I hired 4 people from Manpower and got one functional
person in the bunch. One of the 4 actually took a cell phone call on
stage and was chatting away until I told him he would have to take
it elsewhere. Amazing. Truly amazing. In spite of that, the auction
went relatively smoothly and everyone seemed to be having a great
time. Starting next year I plan on providing an option whereby buyers
who want to leave early can check out and get their purchase
throughout most of the actual auction. This has been a universal
request all along and my wife finally volunteered to handle it for
me. So, that will make future auctions even more streamlined. Also,
nearly all US sellers are taking payment by mail, so, check out by
sellers is much faster as well.
Sunday I was much relieved to hear consistent feedback that
people enjoyed the auction. Angel and I spent much of that day
checking non-meteorite dealers and I found a couple of ancient
Roman Beads and a couple of cylinder seals from Syria and
Mesopotamia in the first and second millenniums BC. They are
fabulous and just what I needed – more "collectables."
We had a fabulous trip, sleeping an average of 10 hrs per night
enjoying Goldie, the McCaw in the tree next to us in the RV
camp where we stayed & the excellent dining experiences
mentioned below. The trip back was equally relaxing, and
it was our best trip to the Tucson Show ever. It wasn't until
Angel broke bones in both her feet the night after our return
that life became very demanding very quickly. Stepping out of
the motor home, backwards, she broke toes and sprained her left
ankle and broke her right foot (5th metatarsal – spiral break)
and will be severely crippled for 4 to 8 weeks. The time required
for full time maintenance has been phenomenal, as she cannot
walk at all, even with crutches, as she has no "good foot" to
hop on. So, things have been very interesting in our home since
and we are learning all about the difficulties faced by the
handicapped.
Goldie (Click on Photo to enlarge)
In an attempt to enrich the future Tucson Show experiences of
fellow collectors, I am going to include in this report several
eateries well worth visiting while in the fare city of Tucson.
Dining in Tucson can be more than merely filling the
hole in your stomach. There is excellent food to be had,
and most of the best is at reasonable prices. It is the only
location with Mexican food to rival what can be found in
San Diego, and with a very nice change of pace due to
geographic variation of origins. In addition, this year we
found two excellent Bar B Q restaurants of truly outstanding
quality. Here are the several places Angel and I enjoyed
greatly this year:
Art's Bar B Q:
This is a most amazing location for several reasons.
It is on St. Mary's just a block away from Inn Suites, by
far the most meteorite laden location in Tucson. Yet, this
gem has escaped me until this year. It is run by an elderly
husband and wife who are remarkable individuals – both
are retired from careers in education, the wife having been
a Biological Engineer. The restaurant has a completely "homey"
feeling to it – especially the bathroom, with doilies, dried
flowers, hand made curtains, potpourri, etc. The main room
is simple, with gingham oilcloth covered tables and a fascinating
collection of old "negro" illustrations on the walls (the owners
are both African American) depicting card cheating, old time
country store porches, etc.
However, the atmosphere is nothing compared to the personal
welcome extended by the couple who are your hosts. They
have extremely friendly and engaging personalities and will
sit right down at your table and throw something in front of
you and say, "Here, I just made this, tell me what you think of
it…. Do you think I should put it on the menu?"
You just don't get that kind of interaction anywhere else. At least
not in my experience…. and the food! The food is as good as the
company. The deep scent of wood smoke hits you long before
the meat reaches your mouth – and then you are in for a real
treat. And the coleslaw! It has a smattering of horse radish that
gives it a unique flavor and making it the only coleslaw I have
ever tasted that I prefer over that made by Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Yum, yum yum.
The only draw back to Art's Bar B Q is they close at 4 pm. and
are only open 4 or 5 days a week. These folks really are retired
and they do this for "fun." So, 11 AM to 4 PM is all you can get
of this rare experience…. oh, and prices are reasonable, too.
Most Tucson goers I know are aware of the awesome food available
at El Charro, just a few blocks from Inn Suites, though the actual
location can sometimes be elusive. I lived in Tucson a year and
a half when I was in my 20s and was turned onto it by my much
older friend who lived there. They claim to be the inventers of
a completely delectable dish called "carne seca," which is, essentially,
dried beef flavored with spices, onions and chilies, dried in the
Tucson summer sun (that is HOT and very, very dry) and then
"reconstituted" by adding just enough water to soften it up for
consumption. My personal favorite is the carne seca chimichunga
(deep fried burito) with sour cream and guacamole on the side. In
addition,
El Charro serves an excellent salsa and the "green corn talmales"
should not be missed. Atmosphere is excellent and service is good.
Prices are moderate side of high, though you can escape without
spending too much if you abstain from their excellent margueritas.
Another excellent Bar B Q place is Jim's Famous Bar B Q out several
miles north on Oracle. Jim has won many Bar B Q contests, to which
the trophy room that constitutes the entryway attests. (These BBQ
contests are serious business, as anyone exposed to the Food Channel
knows – we are talking major, serious competition in great numbers).
The decor is rustic, but comfortable, with old time fishing gear and back
country antiques nailed to the walls and converted into chandeliers and
the like. The service is good and the servings are huge. Particularly tasty
is the Bar B Q sauce, which is served in a 6 pack of different "flavors."
(hot & spicy, sweet and tangy, etc.) Prices are moderate for the quantities
served.
La Fuente is a restaurant right next to the Fossil Coop on Oricle that
most meteorite folks know as the former location of the yearly
Birthday Bash and presentation of the Harvey Awards. They have a
guacamole that absolutely should not be missed. They make the
guacamole right at the table and you can ask for it to be as mild or
as hot as you like, as well as light or heavy on any of the ingredients.
They too serve carne seca which I consider nearly as good as El
Charro and prices are similar as well. Also a nice environment and
easy to find.
Last on the list for this year is Casa Molina, way, WAY out east on
Speedway, out near where Serge was located this year. They also make
an absolutely killer Chimi Chunga and are, like El Charro, a very old
Tucson restaurant with enchanting ambiance from the entry archway
of Talivera Tile to the back of the far old brick dining room and serve
excellent food. They also have an entire gift shop devoted to Mata Ortiz
pottery. If you find yourself out that far, it is an absolute must on the
dining tour.
So, the next Tucson Show, don't just "fill the hole" when your
stomach growls, three of the five restaurants are within minutes
of the Inn Suites, and the other two are only a ten or fifteen
minute drive further. For the same price or just a buck or two
more you can have food ever so vastly superior to the fodder
put out by the bar at Inn Suites – and if you go to Art's tell
them Michael and Angel sent you, they just might throw an
extra taste of this or that your way.
ADDENDUM:
A friend wrote the following questions via email and was gracious
enough to grant me permission to use his post and my response here:
---------------------
> I was very disappointed that [your] always entertaining,
> and usually informative column gave a report of
> the Tuscon show without a single word, not even a hint
> as, to the trend of the meteorite market.
Sorry...
> Was the show well attended? >More or less than past years?
Yes, while it is impossible to tell, really, how many attended, the
BDBash appeared to have more people than ever. The auction definitely
had more people attending than ever, as was reported in my column.
In addition, for the first time, over 100 bid cards were assigned - I
believe last year was higher than the previous year and last year was
like 71. So, about a 43% increase over last year. I believe part, though
not likely all, of this increase was due to the students and other
interested parties attending the lectures put on by the U of A SWMC.
> Were the auctions well bid? More or less than past years?
This is always "a mixed" aspect... though I believe overall bidding
went higher on the higher priced items than has been the case up
'till now. On the other hand, some small lunars with very low
TKW were purchased at very thrifty prices, while the "historic falls"
tended to be inconsistent - with some going high and some going
low.
> Were certain meteorite types hot this year? If so which ones?
The "hottest" types I noticed were the oriented S-A specimens Mike
Farmer, Jim Strope and Eric Olsen were selling. There were a couple
that were KILLER, and not cheap - but, as I said, killer stinking pieces!
Some of those were snatched right up.
ET had some very low priced unidentified NWA as did Hans, who usually
only carries New Campos - which, by the way, this year were almost all
very small (relatively speaking).
> Were some meteorite types over supplied this year with little demand?
> If so which ones?
Hans did not seam to come close to selling out all those little New Campos,
but that is just one dealer. UNDER represented seamed to me to be Fukang
and Symchin.
> Has the meteorite market general began to recover from it's depressed
> state of the last several years?
Always a good question, but with meteorites there are SO many variables that
I believe this question can only be answered a few years after the fact. I
noticed the price of S-A speicmens is definitely increasing while the
quality seams to be decreasing (lack of totally fresh - some rusting, etc).
While there was a brief - bottom fell out - pricing of D'Orbigney, that
seams to be past and everything available is back at $5K/g.
Anne Black had a great stock of macromounts that seamed unusually
low and tempted me, as a dealer, to purchase many for resale.
The price of Brenham is WAY up - partly because of the spectacular
1400 LB oriented individual Steve and Phil recovered and partly because
much of the smaller specimens all appear to be from a dry matrix and
hope is high they will yield stable specimens when cut - as most of you
know, most Brenham available to collectors up to now came from a matrix
which resulted in specimens that would eventually be oozing Lawrencite
puss, so, this development could be the beginning of a Brenham
renaissance.
>
> Shouldn't some or all of these developments be discernible by an astute
> observer at the USA's largest gathering of Meteorite People?
Yes
> Is there any reason why this information should be kept from the rest of us?
There is a deeply concealed plot, but if I tell you what it is, I will have
to kill you....
> Is any one else as disappointed as I am?
Ya, I got you beat by a mile... my wife broke bones in both her feet and
my best surviving friend died.
Best wishes, Michael
Until next time, Michael
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
February 2006
By Michael Blood
It will come as no surprise to most of you that there is not
infrequently varying degrees of energy expressed regarding
a perception of competition between at least some meteorite
dealers. This energy, like the surf on the Pacific Coast, varies,
from almost non-existent to gigantic, but usually clearly present,
subject to tides and shifting sand bottoms, but rather moderate.
Occasionally, however, a storm, near or far, produces waves of
exceptional size and force.
Without question, the focus of said competition often tends to shift
between certain dealers, rather than exist exclusively as a generalized
attitude shared equally between all dealers. Irregardless of that fact
a substantial number of dealers hold varying degrees of a competitive
attitude toward all other dealers at all times.
Since the first weeks of becoming a meteorite dealer many, many
years ago, I have always been able to sense from each and every dealer
with whom I interacted this dynamic on what I considered a continuum
between viewing meteorite dealing as an activity of cooperation vs. one
of competition.
While I see myself at the extreme cooperation end of the continuum,
in many ways it is more important where other dealers perceive me
in terms of how much of the dynamics work out. Suffice it to say,
cooperation is what I identify myself with and that is my general bias.
That does not mean I do not perceive aspects of competition and even
act on some of them. Dealers are not running a co-op or communistic
enterprise, and one is constantly making decisions about pricing,
buying, advertising, marketing, etc.
One of the factors that produce occasional "storm surf" in terms of
feelings of competition is when one dealer (or several) feel another
dealer has acted in an unfair manor in such a way as to "cost" another
dealer potential profit or even cause serious loss of investment already
spent. The more money involved and the greater the perception of
underhandedness, the stronger the feelings of resentment and
competition.
It should be noted I used the term "perceived" – as you can be assured
that in such situations there are always two sides to every story. And
you can be equally assured you NEVER can get a truly objective grasp
on what "really" happened.
Such situations are similar to a divorce. Except in extreme cases, such
as physical abuse, chronic alcoholism or chronic infidelity, people are
going to "line up" on the "side" of the person they have known the
longest or to whom they are related. Even in extreme cases, such as
those mentioned above, "loyalty" will sometimes win over obvious
culpability.
Usually, though, no one really knows who is more "responsible" –
even the husband and wife who are braking up – they nearly always
blame the other, and friends and relatives tend to line up on the
side they came from to begin with.
Now, that does NOT mean that occasionally one dealer doe not actually
do some dastardly thing to another dealer. I know of so many instances
of this it would fill a book (which I could never publish if I ever wanted
to have a "working relationship" with the vast majority of dealers alive
today – so don't hold your breath on such a book – though it would be
most entertaining).
In any event, it is all so much more pleasant when the surf is down,
metaphorically speaking, that is. I find it highly refreshing that that
tends to be the case just about the time the Tucson Show comes
around every year.
NOTE: I may be putting out a special early issue of the March
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS about the 15th of February to
highlight the Tucson Show. It always seems far too long to wait
until March 1 for the news on the giant event of the year.
Until next time….. Michael
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
January, 2006
by Michael Blood
The new year, as always, presents the meteorite market
with its most powerful influence: The Tucson Show.
Among other things at the show, collectors, and perhaps
some dealers, will be seeking out is the new Pallasite,
Fukang. Much ballyhooing has taken place about it being
over 900 Kg and flooding the market - no it isn't, most of
it is in institutions / it's a ruster - it isn't a ruster / it's going
to be $25 to $30 a gram retail, it is going to flood the market
and go down to at least below $10 a gram, etc.
I have the following Fukang information on good authority:
1) It is not a "Ruster," in the common sense, with most
Brenham being the all time Lawrencite oozing extraterrestrial
to Brahin being prone to near eventual take over by rust,
like mold in Blue Cheeze. Instead, the word is that most,
but not all, of the material tends to show only a small amount
of rust after nearly a year in a room with humidity over 70%.
Even then, it is said the level of rusting is much closer to the
rusty parts of Glorietta than the far, far worse Brahin. This, if
true, would qualify it as unusually rust resistant for a pallasite.
2) The owner of the main mass has no intention of releasing
any appreciable amount of material in the foreseeable future,
and is considering reserving nearly the entire mass for institutional exhibition and trade (within the institutional
community), with some being given to individuals who are
patrons of various institutions.
So, it would seem that there will not be large quantities
available to the collecting public, at least for a few years,
and that while it is prone to small, isolated rusting, said
rusting tends to be highly localized and the material is
relatively clean for a pallasite. (Esquel, Imilac and Marjalathi
are the only pallasites I have heard of being truly rust
free).
Still, I did hear there were some 9 to 11 KG "in the market"
at the moment and it will be interesting to see what prices
are offered at the Tucson Show – especially to compare the
prices offered in the opening days of the show and how that
compares to the price offered in the closing days of the show.
It will also be interesting to see if the word of my "good
authority" turns out to be highly reliable, partially reliable
or not at all reliable. Unfortunately, to discover that answer
will take a good many years, as opposed to a couple of weeks
of the Tucson Show.
Another issue of late has been the folderol claiming all etched Baygorria was really just Campo. This is pure nonsense.
Baygorria is a completely separate event, though also an IAB
iron, as is Campo. The reason for this nonsense is a couple of
unscrupulous dealers flooded the market with etched Campo
material claiming it was Baygorria. Since the Widmanstatten
pattern is so similar, people fell for this. Of course, when the
misrepresented Campo was tested against known Campo in
an institutional setting, they were shown to be Campos. Unfortunately, this led to a misinterpretation of the situation
and a declaration that no such thing as Baygorria even existed!
Of course, this left honest dealers, such as ET, left with Baygoria
that cost substantially more than Campo but which is now
considered "questionable" by the meteorite community. So,
if you would like some Baygorria you KNOW is Baygorria,
see ET. He will be in Tucton at Inn Suites. He is as honest as
the day is long – and he offered me some of this Baygorria a
year before the scam with Campo took place. You can deal
with him with assurance of provenance.
The list of "dealers" that cannot be trusted is, most unfortunately, continuing to grow. Keep your eyes open and your ears to the
ground, folks. There are plenty of totally honest dealers around.
Word of mouth is a fairly reliable method of sorting out the few
rotten apples from the rest. Just don't limit your information
sources to too few. You can never have too much information –
and the stories you do hear would fill a book!
On another front…. Marvin Killgore has taken a one year
hiatus from being a meteorite dealer. He was approached
by the U of A in Tucson to be Curator of Meteorites for
their Southwest Meteorite Center. He initially responded
he thought they might be better served getting someone
with the academic credentials he lacks, but they pointed out
that he had taken the time and energy to become sophisticated
in meteorite analysis while at the same time he had amassed
a world class personal collection. They stated one of their
primary objectives is to establish a center with a world class
collection and he was their first choice. He responded with
the suggestion he accept for one year and after that time if
they liked what he was doing and he liked what he was doing
they could then look at the possibility of him staying in the
position on a long term basis. Therefore, to avoid any conflict
of interest, he has ceased his meteorite dealing, though his wife,
Kitty, while not actively promoting the business, will handle
requests for orders of existing inventory over the coming year.
Marvin told me some of his immediate goals for the center will
be to obtain two microprobes and maintain five full time staff
to do meteorite analysis, while amassing a collection of at least
a 20 gram sample of every meteorite known. Marvin and 3 other guest speakers sponsored by the U of A Southwest Meteorite
Center will be giving 15 minute talks from 6 PM to 7 PM at the
far end of the VFW Hall where the Tucson Meteorite Auction
will take place at 7:30 PM on Sat, Feb. 4.
Everyone is welcome to sit in on the talks which will include
the importance, identification, and nomenclature of meteorites,
as well as explaining what the Southwest Meteorite Center
hopes to accomplish in behalf of meteorite collectors,
dealers and scientists.
Until next time….. Michael
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
December 2005
by Michael Blood
December sees interest and enthusiasm growing in
anticipation of the world's largest gem and mineral show
AND meteorite show: Tucson. The name, alone, brings a
smile to any meteorite collector's face who has been blessed
with this most impressive of all meteorite events. Every
dealer in the world, or at least so it seems, is there. Then
there are all the collectors – both old friends new faces to
put with phone voices or email communications. Dinners
to be shared, gatherings to attend, and, of course, the now
famous "Birthday Bash" of Geoff Notkin and Steve Arnold,
coupled with the Harvey Awards, oh, and the Tucson Meteorite
Auction as well as Al Lang's Silent Auction, and you have
the makings of what is unquestionably the meteorite collector's
event of the year. (Excluding, of course, actual meteorite
events – such as Park Forrest or Portalas Valley).
Every year it seems more dealers put in an appearance,
renting rooms and offering their countless goodies. Sometimes
these are even dealers one has never heard of, either from Europe
or Africa or even within the US. Sometimes they are right among
the thick of things, with other dealers located only doors away.
Sometimes they are in obscure motels one wanders off to if
one is blessed with enough time to wander about the city in
search of…. who knows WHAT, as it seams The Tucson Show is
capable of offering far, far more than mere gems and minerals.
And therein lies the rub: each and every meteorite collector
that visits the Tucson Show is subjected to nearly countless
distractions that call to him like the sirens who called to Ulysses
tempting him to crash upon the rocks and forsake his goal of
returning to Ithaca. Having promised ourselves not to
spend more $ on anything but meteorites – and certainly not
more on items which could easily tempt us to expand our
obsessions into yet another realm, here we are, in the straits of
the sirens and unless our wives go with us everywhere, we are,
unlike Ulysses, NOT tied to the mast:
Obviously, there are the fossils. LOTS and LOTS of fossils.
Enough to tempt every non-fossil collector in attendance. Enough
to tempt even those of us who have promised ourselves NOT to
spend more $ fossils. But, oh, those fossils can be ever so tempting,
from the fabulously beautiful opalized Amonites to the tiny
dinosaurs which are SO "affordable" to many remarkably
inexpensive shark's teeth, and the list goes on and on.
Then there are the numerous amber dealers with insects in
amber that MUST be purchased – especially at some of the prices
available… or at least some dirt cheap insects in copal! This is
a VERY dangerous area for meteorite collectors. Did you see that
copulating pair of flies for only $125? Or that SCORPION for less
than $3,000? Beware! Beware! This is a truly slippery slope!
Oh, and if you escape, somehow, the pull of the insects in
amber, you walk into a room full of the ugliest specimens you've
ever seen, then wander into a blackened closet with ultraviolet
light only to find a room of treasures so beautiful they could
qualify for a mythical tale of biblical proportions where the hero
is distracted from his holy quest by tantalizing items. You have
taken the nearly fatal steps into the world of fluorescent minerals,
many of which are truly beyond resistance, and, before you know
it you own a not so little black box full of specimens that look by
daylight like a bunch of broken up pieces of cement and mine
tailings, only to come to life to boggle the mind when you turn
on the fluorescent lighting…. oh, this one is unavoidable for those
who venture into the land of Tucson. One can only hope to limit
one's self to that single little box and what it will hold to thereby
prevent further endless purchases. or at least limiting them to very
small sized specimens – like having one ten gallon aquarium and
any fish or stone that won't fit in that one aquarium just can't be purchased…. ok, we've handled that one, now on to the countless
other dangers…
And so it goes, as we find display cases we certainly HAVE
to have – especially at THOSE prices… and saws, or at least a
few saw blades…. and did you see that new lapidary saw/sander/
trimmer/polisher/(fill in the blank)? Some of this stuff – especially
display cabinets and boxes make one virtually PRAY to run into
Ron Hartman and spend one's "display allowance" on those fabulous
membrane boxes. There, maybe that will take care of that! (always
the optimist).
New age hookie zookies, animal hides, didgeridoos,
natural sandstone "paintings" that blow your socks off,
crocodile heads, ancient beads, fabulous mineral specimens,
crystal singing bowls, dinosaur teeth, walrus penises, ancient
Pre-Columbian artifacts, Civil War memorabilia, and that doesn't
even address the fact that the entire town is the center of the
world for gems at the lowest possible prices on earth.
Yes my friends, we will all soon be entering into that
very special place where only Geoff Notkin, Twink Monrad,
Jim Kriegh, Mike Farmer, Eric Olson, John Blennert, Bob Haag
and a few other lucky collectors and dealers live to take
advantage of the show for its entire run. Some of us will be there
a week, others several days and some for only a day or two.
But none of us will be immune to the call of the non-meteoritic
sirens of the Tucson Show….. so, beware, my friends, beware!
Until Next Time………Michael
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
by Michael Blood
November, 2005
METEORITE CLASSIFIEDS: Meteorite Exchange announced in
October they are instituting the publication of meteorite
classified ads as part of their website. First it should be noted
that the Meteorite Exchange has quite a history in the Meteorite
Market in that it was one of the very first Meteorite web sites
to exist. Without question, they are the leading advertiser for
meteorite dealers, as they list some 135 meteorite dealers on
their site, already. Furthermore, they instituted the first on
line Meteorite Magazine: METEORITE TIMES (in which this
article appears) .
In a case of profound irony, at the moment The Meteorite Exchange
announced this new feature, the advertising service Steve Arnold
had recently launched was "down" and Steve was out of town (out
of the country?) at the time – causing many advertisers to be
concerned. I left messages with Steve and he had not gotten
back to me. However, over many years of dealing with Steve, I
have never heard of him treating another person unfairly.
Furthermore, reports came in later that his site was back up
and it was the server that hosts his site that was down temporarily
and not his site in particular, but all their customers. It just so
happened that this all occurred while Steve wasn't around. That,
in combination with the coincidental timing of the launching of
the Meteorite Classifieds put particular emphasis on the service
they are about to offer the sellers and buyers of meteorites world
wide. In a last minute announcement, Jim and Paul announced they
had purchased Steve's site from him and are extending full credit
to all advertisers and will be transferring all ads to the new
METEORITE CLASSIFIEDS, encouraging all of Steve's old customers
to submit photos to accompany all existing ads and place additional
new ads as time permits. This is a merger that will surely rock
and promises to be another major leap foreword in the Meteorite Market.
For one thing, their Classifieds are being set up to be activated by
the advertisers, themselves and each item can be removed by the
seller at the time of sale. In addition, they have the significant
advantage of including a photo with each ad as well as a link to
a larger version of said photo. This is aspect is, indeed, huge. Those
dealers among us who go back far enough to be early on the web
scene remember distinctly the immediate impact digital photos
had on sales once they became instituted. This new generation
of advertising is STARTING with photos – huge, guys, just huge.
The other significant feature of note being made available to
marketers is they are setting it up so that each of the Classifieds
is activated by the advertisers, themselves and each item can be
removed by the seller at the time of sale. Payment will be fully
automated via PayPal or credit card, making the entire system
user activated and updated. This will result in keeping costs down
and keeping the ads totally current while requiring very little
moderating by Paul & Jim. As a Grand Opening Special, free
advertising coupons are being offered on the first two ads anyone
places:
Coupon Code-1 ML11051 Expires 11/30/05
Coupon Code-2 ML11052 Expires 11/30/05
Paul tells me they will also soon be offering Reverse Auction
ads, the details of which will be provided upon inauguration
of same.
All these factors point to the possibility of this becoming as big
a factor in the Meteorite Market as eBay. Ultimately, bigger. We
will see. Much depends on people taking advantage of such an
opportunity, but Paul tells me he and Jim are going to be offering
irresistible prices for participation in this super project.
This promotion should be well worth checking out by every dealer
for their entire stock and for every collector interested in moving
former collection pieces that have been "upgraded." Note also that
"Meteorite Wanted" classified ads are entirely free. This promises to
become the cyber equivilant of the Yellow Pages of meteorites, where
you "let your fingers do the walking" instead of surfing through
dozens and dozens of different meteorite web sites.
You can check all this out at:
http://www.meteoriteclassifieds.com/
On other fronts, Greg Hupe announced a new Lunar Meteorite,
"NWA 3163 (Provisional) - Ultra-Rare Lunar Feldspathic Granulite Meteorite
A single 1,634 gram meteorite, believed to have been found in Mauritania or Algeria, was purchased in Morocco in August 2005
by Greg Hupé, who thought at first that it may be an unusual
eucrite or diogenite. Actually it is a Lunar Feldspathic Granulite
and represents the largest known sample of this rare rock type
available for scientific study.
It is composed primarily of maskelynite (shocked plagioclase) with
lesser amounts of pyroxene, olivine, chromite and other minerals.
This extremely rare type of lunar rock is known from small clasts in
a few Apollo 15, 16 and 17 samples.
Click here for image of Main Mass
http://www.lunarrock.com/nwa3163/nwa3163a.jpg
Click here for image of 74.1 gram Complete Slice
http://www.lunarrock.com/nwa3163/nwa3163slice2c.jpg
The mineral compositions are characteristic of ferroan anorthosite (FAN)
igneous rocks from the very ancient lunar highlands, and this specimen is classified as a hornfelsic granulitic impactite, interpreted to have been
produced by burial metamorphism deep in the lunar crust of impact-comminuted olivine gabbroic to diabasic rocks. Excavation from such a deep site is consistent with the abundance of maskelynite"
In laymen's terms: this puppy is comprised of rare material indicating
it was 1) formed as a result of multiple lunar impacts by astroid
material ("meteorite strikes" on the moon) and later, a major impact
resulted in it being blown off the moon and beyond lunar gravitational
pull, ultimately coming to earth as a meteorite, itself.
On top of all this, as one can see in the photo of the 74 gram slice
via the above link, it is a beautiful lunar meteorite reminiscent of
NWA 482 in appearance.
Greg is currently offering this material in micromount & macromount
sizes for only $1,500/g and at descending cost per gram for larger
part slices and full slices.
Other breaking news comes from the Munich Show:
Mike Farmer originally reported "The ´Fuking` Pallasite from China was being offered at less than 10Euros a gram in large chunks, I saw pieces from 100 grams to 2 kilos. Apparently the buyers have divided
the massive pallasite up and are now going to flood the market. Looks like a good buying opportunity when the price collapses. It is beautiful stuff, but with over 900 kilos, coming on the market, we know where
this goes."
However, John Birdsell responded with highly contradicting info, saying,
"Actually, there was probably at most 7.7 kilos of
Fukang end-pieces at the Munich show. There is another
~480 kilos at the University of Arizona which is, as
far as we know, not ever going to reach the market,
and there is another ~480 kg which is destined to be
sold as full slices to very wealthy members of the art
community at somewhere around $250,000.00 per slice.
If anyone thinks there is going to be a 'flood' of
Fukang hitting the market, I wouldn't hold my breath."
Photos illustrating the beauty of this material can be
seen at a link of John's site below (it should be noted, however,
he only had this one partslice, and it has sold):
http://www.arizonaskiesmeteorites.com/AZ_Skies_Links/Chinese_Pallasite/19gFukang/index.html
Until next time…. Michael
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
October 2005
by Michael Blood
A few months ago a private collector contacted me asking me to
sell his private collection for him in order to pay off the entire
balance due on his home mortgage.
In this instance, we were seeing a clearance sale of a private collection
in which the seller wanted money NOW. I know I could get much better
prices if he would have been willing to take 3 to 6 months, but he
wanted cash NOW. Therefore, if something doesn't sell at one price,
the price goes down.
I tried to convey to people this was a blowout situation, but it would
appear I didn't do a very good job. It is difficult when buyers tend to
think you are giving them "hype" when you tell them you are offering
great prices.
If this had been material I had purchased myself, I would put it in my catalog
at a given price HIGHER than the "sale" price initially offered
and sit on it at least 2 or 3 years before I would consider a lower bid.
In such circumstances I have capital invested and must "earn" a profit
to justify the capital investment. So, when I buy personally, I offer a sale
for immediate return on investment at a modest profit. Whatever is not
purchased in my initial sale, most of it sells in the 6 month to 2 year time frame.
However, when you need people to buy NOW, most people are on a
budget and you have to make it too painful NOT to buy it. It's all the ol'
supply/demand dynamic. The bottom line is if the seller wants it all
gone NOW, bargains are to be had.
The thing is, if you offer goodies at a great price and they don't sell,
you have to turn around and offer them again at a lower price. This
can be a very delicate situation, as sometimes buyers of the earlier
offerings can become resentful, especially if you are talking about
the same material. Such a situation arose around the Nakhla I was
offering. I thought you all might find the correspondence between the
buyer and me in that situation insightful:
Email received:
"It's a bit disconcerting to wake up this morning to find the price of
Nakhla dropping like a stone. On your Preposts for the past month:
Sept. 2: 6.3 gram w/ 40% crust, $15,750 or $2500/gram
Sept 16: 0.838 gram w/ 40% crust, $1750 or $2088/gram
(piece I'm buying)
Sept 28: all crusted pieces, $1200/gram
mid Oct: who knows....$500/gram?????
Maybe "the fall of Nakhla" could be a good Meteorite Market
Times article for this month.
Interesting marketing strategy, So, what's going on???
Regards, XXX"
To this I responded:
"Hi XXX,
The 6.3g piece (40% FC) was MUCH more spectacular than
the current pieces - and was a BARGAIN - the $10K piece - have
you ever tried to get $10K from someone? Note also, this piece
has very little FC. It may be WORTH $25K, but my seller does
not want to wait 6 months to a year to get it.
The 833mg specimen you got is superb.
The 4.335g at $1,200/g is a steal - you should jump on it
immediately. HELL, I should get it! But do either of us have
$5,200 to tie up??? That is the question. As stuff gets larger and
more expensive it is much harder to sell. You are, of course,
familiar with supply and demand. Dean Bessey financed his
entire operation starting with selling tiny "Bessey Specks."
The price per gram was astronomical! Do you think he could
get that price per gram in an 8.66g piece?
Even the 2.8g [Nakhla] currently offered is a steal
The 927mg is sold, which was my intent. It is ugly as sin
compared to the piece you got. Is it not? Do you seriously
believe your piece is not worth AT LEAST twice as much???
This is a collection - the seller wants MONEY NOW, my
job is to get it to him. I explained I could get more if he gave
me 3 to 6 months, but he wants money NOW - I priced
accordingly. However, even if I had 6 months, your piece
and the 6.3g piece would have been MUCH higher per gram
(and much higher priced than what they sold at, that's for sure).
Many times I have bought something at a great price and
later (often at the same Tucson Show) seen it at half what
I paid. That did not make my original purchase a bad buy.
If you pay 25c for a dollar bill, are you going to complain
when the seller offers 3 more at 10c each?
This is a limited number of pieces. You would do well
to buy them all, yourself, then double the price. You might
have to wait 2 or 3 months to sell them, but would undoubtedly
be successful. That's quite a profit, isn't it? Do you have the
capital? Can you wait 2 to 3 months to get it back? I don't.
My seller wants money NOW.
All this should be relatively obvious to someone of your
intelligence. But, it is a common trap people often fall into.
Jesus even told a Parable about that way of looking at things -
you know, the one about the guys who worked for 12 hrs
getting paid a fair wage, but when the guys who worked 8
hrs and even the ones who worked 4 hrs got paid the same
amount, those who worked longer complained.... but this is
even different, because it is NOT the same - size, quality, total
price tag & urgency to sell immediately are all factors.
I think you are right. This will make an excellent MMT
article - of course, I won't use your name.
If you aren't tickled pink with your specimen when you
get it, I would suggest you send it back and I will sell it for you
for 2,500. It might take a few months, but I am sure someone
will jump on that puppy.
Best wishes, Michael"
Fortunately, the buyer was not the Tin Man, and actually had
a brain. His response:
"Hi Michael,
You're absolutely correct. Tell the seller that if he agrees I'll also take
the 4.335 gram crusted fragment for $xxxx
I'll pay for it together with the 0.838 g. piece I already committed to
next Monday as agreed. I think this is called dollar cost averaging ;-)
Cheers, XXX"
So, what just happened here? Dramatically different prices for
roughly the same material…. because the seller wanted money
NOW. That does not "set the market price" – either high or low.
This is the same reason an auction does not set the market price
any more than someone asking 10 times or even 20 times what
others are asking – even if they do get a buyer.
As a dealer I am painfully aware that if I want a particular meteorite
in a particular size range and I want to buy it NOW, I am going to
pay far more than if I want the same thing and am willing to wait
for it to "show up" at a good price any time in the next couple of
years.
The same is true for selling. Meteorites are a unique "commodity"
in that the "market" consists of only a few thousand buyers and
several dozens of sellers. Nakhla, depending on Fusion Crust, or
the absence of same, is probably "worth" about $2,500 to $4,000
a gram at this time – and that is a rough approximation. Just because
one dealer can offer 4 or 5 specimens at $1,000 to $1,200/g on
a one time basis does not change that – except in the heads of a
few. But they will be waiting endlessly to see it appear at that price
again – and likely, it never will.
There was an infamous dealer that used to sometimes get 20 times
market value for some specimens. Did that "set the market" on
that material? No. Nor does a one time "blow out" or an auction
sale.
So, what DOES "set the market" for a given meteorite. Simple: when
three or more dealers offer the same material at roughly the same
price OR when one dealer offers huge quantities of the material
at a given price over a very long period of time (IE: Dean Bessey with
NWA 869).
This month's MMT message: one time sales, be they high or low, do
not a market make.
Thus spake Yoblood.
Until next time, Michael
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
By Michael Blood
September 2005
Greetings all.
Not a lot of "action" in the market to report. However, there are
a number of events in the market worthy of note:
The September Show in Denver is being held Sept. 16-18 and the
Meteorite raffle graciously organized by Geoff Notkin to benefit
the folks of New Orleans will be held at the Saturday evening
Comets Party. As of yesterday, over $4K had come in. Those who
haven't bought tickets can view the many meteoritic donations
and purchase through PayPal at:
http://www.aerolite.org/meteorite-raffle.htm
Many additions are coming in daily, so, there will be many, many
winners – not just one big one. This is a good way to contribute to
the problem in New Orleans – as well as get some really nice goodies.
Besides for the Raffle and the Denver Show, Matt Morgan of Mile
High Meteorites went in with a private collector and purchased the
remainder of the personal collection of Michael Farmer. The Private
collector is keeping only 4 or 5 of the choicest pieces and Matt will
be offering almost the entire balance of the collection to the meteorite
community in the immediate future.
This marks some real shifts in meteorite distribution, as recently
Dean Bessey, arguably the largest supplier by far of bulk NWA material
left Canada for the tropics, declaring his future meteorite dealings
are, at best, undecided, though likely will continue in some form, yet
to be determined. Now, the same can be said of Michael Farmer,
arguably the worlds "largest" meteorite globe trotter who has also
strongly hinted at a permanent move to Panama. (What's with this
migration to the tropics?) Every time there was a new fall, off went
Mike Farmer to get as much of it as possible – and almost always
with stunning results. Coupling his fall-chasing adventures with frequent
trips to NWA, Mike has been a major factor in the meteorite market
at least since the Portalas Valley Fall. Now, his future roll is up in the
air, similar to Dean Bessey. Where these two end up in the meteorite
"food chain" will be both interesting to see and will be of significance
in shaping the meteorite market in the immediate and mid range future.
Interesting it is.
Until next time, Michael
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
by Michael Blood
August, 2005
Greetings fellow space debris collectors.
The month of August finds us confronted with potentially
the most significant development to impact the meteorite
market in years. Steve Arnold (The Original Steve Arnold,
not the Chicago!!! Steve Arnold) has just opened a new
site on the web called Find Meteorites Dot Com. It can be
seen at: http://www.findmeteorites.com
While some may view this as merely another new meteorite
site, I predict it will become the Tucson Meteorite Show of
cyber space, wielding impact as yet to be determined on the
Meteorite Market.
After only a few days, there are already listed some 300
different meteorite locations, most of which refer the seeker
to several different sellers where different sizes, forms and
prices can be found. Do you want a part slice, full slice,
whole stone, large, small, thin section, what? In many ways
this site promises to become far more easily utilized than
the real space Tucson Show, since one can rapidly move
from dealer to dealer looking after a specific meteorite,
whereas walking from room to room and traveling from
motel to motel requires far more time. In addition, the site
has the capacity to host every "dealer" in existence, not just
the couple of dozen who can afford the time and expense of
hosting a room at the Tucson Show. Top that off with 365
days a year availability (as opposed to 12 days or so in Tucson)
and you have the real makings of a monster of a "shopping
mall of meteorites."
Since The Meteorite Exchange (the site of Jim Tobin and Paul
Harris) list some 135 people calling themselves dealers, this
site also has the potential to host everyone from the collector
wanting to upgrade a few pieces to the largest dealers in the
world. All this for less than the cost of listing on eBay makes
this a medium from which I predict no seller will want to be
excluded. The number of participant sellers will certainly
increase. Add that to the inevitable increase in the number of
buyers utilizing this site this becomes THE place no one can
afford to miss out on, neither buyer nor seller. (Of course, I
could be wrong – my wife continually assures me I am).
So, what will this mean for the Meteorite Market? That is an
excellent question, and one not easily answered. On the one
hand, I believe it will stimulate sales, as buyers will be able to
find what they are looking for quickly and identify who is
selling it. (Steve has set it up alphabetically, like a buyer's
guide to "METEORITES A TO Z"). This if far easier than surfing
from dealer site to dealer site seeing if this one or that has
what you are after. That can be very time consuming – and
frustrating. While this won't replace people's personal web
sites, for those who use this site, sales will inevitably result
from this dramatic increase in shopping efficiency and the
increase in "customer base."
But what does that mean in terms of prices? That remains to
be seen. As volume of sales increases, normally, prices would
go up… but in this situation, price comparison will be exerting
the pressure of competition, which tends to keep prices down.
This will be interesting to watch.
Also interesting to watch will be which "name" dealers buy into
this first and which hold out…. and for how long. And, if they
do hold out, will they begin to experience diminished sales as
a result? Such would appear to be inevitable since if a buyer can
see multiple dealers' goods in one spot, will they bother to
then search individual sites just to see if they even have any of
what they have already found several sources for?
There is a famous commercial case applicable to this situation
wherein one of the tobacco brands was so popular it quit spending
money on advertising. (was it Phillip Morris?) In any event, their
sales dropped significantly and by the time they realized they
must advertise competitively, they had lost so many customers
they never came close to a full recovery. So, will we have one or
more of the "Big Dogs" hold out indefinitely, and, if they do, what
will be the result? This will be very interesting, indeed.
Conversely, if the majority of dealers fail to participate, what will
that result in? If that actually happened then, one would have to
guess the impact of the site would be significantly weakened.
However, I don't believe mass non-involvement will take place, as
Mr. Arnold has made it too affordable and too enticing to participate.
However, that does provide yet one more element in this emerging
situation fascinating to observe.
Already, there has been a rush to "sign up" and I am delighted to
be able to say I was the first to join and that I was immediately
followed by Blaine Reed (long missing from the internet, and finally
jumping into a situation just too good to miss), Anne Black, the
preeminent "Lady" dealer of the meteorite world and Walter
Zeitschel, of Germany, the Bob Haag of Europe, to name but a few.
Not a bad start at all.
There is a question as to whether a particular old Chinese saying
is meant to be a blessing or a curse. It goes, "May you live in
interesting times." And that, my friends, we certainly do.
Until next time, Michael
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
by Michael Blood
July, 2005
The market continues to trudge along at relatively the same rate it has it has for the
last 6 months or so. However, one small and one enormous black cloud have appeared
as ominous signs which may mark the beginning of the end of the flood of cheap
meteorites from Northwest Africa.
First, the larger of the two, the closing of Oman to meteorite export, has recently been
punctuated by the capture, holding, robbing and extortion of 8 to 10 meteorite collectors
visiting that country. The two most notable among them were John Blennert, made
famous by his extensive work in mapping the Gold Basin Strewn Field and his
generosity in donating the bulk of his finds with institutions joined
by one of the more famous and popular of the Russian meteorite dealers, Ivan.
They were accompanied by 6 or 7 other Russians and a German meteorite collector
– all of whom were held captive throughout the entire month of April through
May 10, 2005.
Not allowed to call anyone including friends, an attorney, any of their embassies, a
consulate, a family member or anyone for help, at one point while being transferred
from one camp to another, they luckily passed a signal tower where one of the
Russians secretly called the Russian Embassy from a cell phone he had managed
to keep hidden from their captors or, John believes, they might never have been
heard from again.
As it was, all their material goods were stolen from them, including but not limited
to all cameras, two lap top computers, cash, checks, a wide range of personal
documents, all GPS units, radios, metal detectors, flashlights, binoculars, tire
compressors, etc. Though they never were officially charged and tried, they were
told they were being forced to leave and were forbidden to ever return, but only
after all respective embassies had become involved and after more than a month
– part of the time in actual cells and part under virtual house arrest. In addition,
there was an unconfirmed report that a $50,000 payment was given to an Omani
official to facilitate the release of all "prisoners."
John Blennert's full report can be read at:
http://www.dontvisitoman.com/about_us.html
Lest anyone entertain thoughts of John over dramatizing the events reported, let
it be said I have spent a good deal of time with John, both in the field and as a
guest in his home. He is a rock solid character – like one of those guys in movies
about World War II who is the guy you would want in the fox hole next to you
when things are about to hit the fan - nerves of steel and all that. Sort of like John
Wayne with a brain. Everyone who knows John Blennert will tell you he is far
more inclined to understatement than to overstatement.
This pretty much closes the door on any reasonable person entertaining any ideas
of meteoritic material coming out of Oman whilst current powers exist there.
The second dark cloud may appear far less disturbing, but may prove even more
significant. Dean Bessey recently announced he is moving to New Zeeland and
may or may not be continuing his involvement in NWA meteoritic material. Now,
while there are plenty of dealers who will tell you they bring out a good deal of
material from NWA, and they do, in fact, it is also a fact that Dean Bessey has
brought out far, far more quantity of material than all the others combined.
I readily acknowledge that Bruno & Carine, Mike Farmer & Jim Strope, Adam
& Greg Hupe, Elaine & Louis Carion, The Labennes and others – ET has brought
out entire falls, such as Mt. Tazerzait - (Please forgive all oversights here, as there
are bound to be too many to list here) have brought out much material – and
especially rare types. However, I don't believe it can be credibally argued that
Dean Bessey hasn't brought out the BULK of material. In addition, and not less
noteworthy as far as the market is concerned, Dean always has sold material at
wholesale prices, regardless of quantity purchased. If he bought it for 12.5c a gram
(by the ton) he was likely to sell it for 14 or 15c a gram. He always had a "make it
on the volume" approach to meteorite selling. Given that he was bringing the
bulk of the material out of NWA to the market combined with his wholesale prices,
this has always been a major influence on keeping all NWA prices lower than they
would have otherwise been. Now he is talking about things "slowing down" in
NWA and whether or not it will be worth it to him to continue as he has been in
meteorites and the strong possibility of focusing future purchases and sales on
fossils and antiquities (in which he has always been involved).
If Dean Bessey does, indeed, depart from the meteorite scene – or more likely, drop
his "volume" business in meteorites, this, could prove to be an even greater factor
in the market than the Oman incident. Coupled with the closing of Oman the two
factors will certainly mark the beginnings of a change in NWA prices. There is no
question NWA prices will increase. The only questions will be how quickly
by how much.
Until next time, Michael
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
by Michael Blood
June, 2005
Elton Jones recently wrote:
"…we shouldn't tolerate fake identities, we
shouldn't tolerate being played, and when the liars are
found out we shouldn't tolerate their deceit. An apology
is ok once but when it is used over and over as a "get out
of jail free" card, how do we expect that the apology is
ever sincere ever? In the long run, as was said long ago
on the list,--this trade is based on the trust and integrity
of the person's claim of provenance - that the material is
what it is represented to be. If they are deceptive in other
matters why do we want to believe that they are suddenly
"wholey honest" in their sales weights, sizes, and represen-
tations. How would we know the material was even from
the meteorite they claim it is?"
There is a good deal of basic truth in the above words. There
was a time, seemingly not so long ago, when there was no problem
with integrity in the meteorite community, save one lone scoundrel who's reputation proceeded him and who was eventually convicted
of outright theft of a meteorite from a museum…… but what has
followed has boggled the mind:
Numerous "dealers" have come (and in several cases, thank goodness, gone) who have established a pattern of ripping off buyers. Still, collectors continue to buy from these people. I really don't
understand it.
I had one person write me that a well known European individual had recently sold him a specimen advertised as specific dimensions but
upon arrival was approximately 1/4 the advertised size. When the
buyer emailed him, complaining of the misrepresentation, he reportedly responded simply, "Well, I didn't have any calipers that size, so I estimated." (rephrased here for English grammar) The real irony is that particular "dealer" has had a plethora of reports publicly written about his shenanigans by well established individuals – several of them being dealers, themselves, who have reported the specifics of a variety of rip offs by him. That he is an unabashed scam artist is well established. Still,
this collector had purchased from him. But it doesn't end there… the previously mentioned convicted museum meteorite thief is said to still
be conducting business with a goodly number of collectors – AND institutions – the curators of which claim to believe he was
wrongfully accused and convicted! I hear that ostriches stick their
heads in the sand – but how do they breathe?
What is wrong with this picture?! Why do people insist on dealing
with individuals proven to be cheats, thieves and liars? I thought
it was bad enough when people started buying from everyone
under the sun, extending the same, or even more trust than they
give to dealers who have been around more than a decade or two –
or in rarest of cases, three decades…. I mean, come on! It is one
thing to buy from a "new" dealer who is advertising in METEORITE
MAGAZINE and even though not around a long time, has established
as fact an exemplary treatment of customers, standing by everything
s/he sells with a life time guarantee of authenticity, accepting any
and all returns should a customer be dissatisfied in any way, etc.
But it blows me away that people will not only buy from complete
unknowns – they will buy from people who's treatment of customers
is KNOWN to be fraudulent!
What's with that?!
I have always felt my word was all I had to offer in this business, and
on many occasion ate a considerable loss just to remain beyond
reproach in every way in my conducting of business. And I happen
to know the majority of dealers who have been around more than
5 years or so have done the same. However, I am now beginning to wonder if anyone is noticing. It is not as though I will stop because
the majority act as though they are oblivious to this fact – nor do I believe my colleagues will, either. I do feel I am still, in the main, amongst a group of individuals for whom integrity is an internalized aspect of their being. Clearly, however, many of the Johnny-come-latelys are not cut from the same cloth.
So, why do collectors buy from them? Is it blind greed for the cheapest buy at the moment? Is it lust for that killer specimen or being able to
fill in a particular missing type in one's collection?
It wasn't long ago that collectors frequently uttered the admonishment,
"buy only from established dealers with flawless reputations." It isn't as though there are not enough of us to go around. Yet, now that
it clearly matters, it seems I haven't heard that phrase in recent times….
There is no question in my mind that there are several known
individuals from whom I would never make a purchase – simply
because I refuse to put money in their pockets which will subsidize
their continuing degradation of the field of meteoritics. They needn't
be mentioned here, as everyone knows who these scoundrels are.
When you burn people, word gets around. And, when you treat
people right, each and every time, that gets around, too.
It would not matter if one of these jerks offered me Chassigny at a ridiculously low price, or Sylacauga or some other of the rarest
hammers in history. Obviously, however, there are a good many
people who will gladly support them any time there is a specimen
offered they want. It seems there is no conscience for some when
it comes to collecting. Unfortunate it is.
Until next time, Yodda … er, Michael
METEORITE MARKET TRENDS
By Michael Blood
May, 2005
A major area of interest when looking at trends in the
Meteorite Market are the ups and downs of the market
as a whole over long periods of time – IE, by the decade,
or at least over 6 or 8 years, and how prices were perceived
as having consistently risen until the combination of the
flood from Africa with the ballooning of the internet dealer
phenomenon worked together to drop the floor out from
under the market.
However, information has recently come to light that casts
an entirely different light on this long held belief that prices
were so very low "in the good old days."
On Sunday, April 10, on the Meteorite List Martin Altmann
published the information below. In a private communication
with me he mentioned I might want to use it in METEORITE
MARKET TRENDS and gave me permission to do so. I am most
grateful to Martin for his generous offer and I consider it some
of the most revealing information ever regarding the
Meteorite Market and present it in its entirety as follows:
Emil Cohen's Market Trends of 1899 - Old prices in today's $
E.Cohen: Ueber den Wuelfing'schen Tauschwerth der Meteoriten
im Vergleich mit den Handelspreisen.,
published in: Mitth. aus dem naturwiss. Ver. für Neu-Vorpommern
u. Rügen, XXXI. pp 50-66, Greifswald 1899.
(Wuelfing's trade value of meteorites in comparison with the
market prices).
Emil Cohen (1842-1905) was a mineralogist, geologist and an
eminent meteorite researcher of his times, from 1885 on
professor at the university in Greifswald. He started to write a
monumental comprehensive work about meteorites, his
"Meteoritenkunde", but died before the third volume was
published.
In 1889 E.Weinschenck honored him in naming that silvery
iron carbide found in iron meteorites "Cohenite".
This article was a reply to Wuelfing's suggested formula for the
determination of a trade value of a meteorite specimen, depending
on total weight of the class and total known weight of that find or
fall, which was published two years ago in 1897.
Cohen examines there, whether Wülfing's values are reflecting
actually the prices asked on the market.
Furthermore, he makes some remarks about the behavior of dealers
and collectors and wonders about the sometimes strange affectations
of the collectors (private meteorite collecting wasn't invented by Nininger).
(His observations seem not directly unfamiliar to me...)
For the comparison Cohen publishes a list of prices for more than
300 meteorites, which he collected during several years until 1899!
It contains the average price per gram, the lowest and the highest
price.
Now with this old price lists we have the problem, that we don't
know, what would be the old currencies in what the prices are
given be worth today? How to find out the purchasing power of
the old currency to have an equivalent or how to convert in this
case the Mark of 1899 into US dollar of 2005?
Long term indices for the purchasing power I couldn't find. Old
single prices, wages, salaries aren't helpful, as for instance
manpower was cheap at that times, foods expensive - today in
the first world it's other way round.
Thus here my approach:Cohen's prices are given in Pfennige of
Mark (german Goldmark). The Mark was a gold-backed currency.
Consequently I calculated my adaptation via the gold price. I had
the fine gold contents of the Mark, keeping in mind, that the
gold price at that time was subject of manipulation by the national
governments, I chose the New Yorker fixing of that year and in
virtue of today's gold price's, I converted the Goldmark in today's
US dollar. (In fact I did it last year, when the ounce was at 400$).
I got out: 1Mark = 4.61$ (of course the purchase power of gold was
see-sawing through time too, but do you have a better suggestion?)
Or in other words, the following price list is that, what you have
effectively to pay, if you'll run tomorrow to your bank, buy gold,
jump in the time machine, travel 106 years back and purchase
meteorites.
In the following list, I use the meteorite names according to the
Catalogue of Meteorites, I added the type, an asterisk indicates
an observed fall. Given is the average price, in brackets lowest
and highest price.
Meteorites marked as "pseudo" were at Cohen's times already
known as pseudo meteorites. Some finds of the same meteorite
(most already known and listed by Cohen to be paired) were
sold separately at different price levels. A "(?)" is found in
those few cases, whe