11 Dec 2012
13:00 PST
Los Angeles
The World of Opals, The Splendor of Gold including the Margie and Robert E. Petersen Collection of Gold Nuggets
Back to auction 21137
The World of Opals, The Splendor of Gold including the Margie and Robert E. Petersen Collection of Gold Nuggets
Back to auction 21137
Native Silver
Himmelsfurst Mine, near Freiberg, Saxony, Germany
Wire silver is actually crystalline, just one of the unusual forms which a silver crystal can take. While wire silver occurs naturally in many parts of the world, these old German specimens, from the mines which financed the rulers and wars of Saxony for centuries, are considered among the most desirable. Most old specimens were simply smelted away for bullion. Robust and sturdy, the present specimen is a highly aesthetic arborescent one, reminiscent of a phantasmagoric tree in a Tim Burton film. Measuring 2 ½ x 2 x ¾ in
Wire silver is actually crystalline, just one of the unusual forms which a silver crystal can take. While wire silver occurs naturally in many parts of the world, these old German specimens, from the mines which financed the rulers and wars of Saxony for centuries, are considered among the most desirable. Most old specimens were simply smelted away for bullion. Robust and sturdy, the present specimen is a highly aesthetic arborescent one, reminiscent of a phantasmagoric tree in a Tim Burton film. Measuring 2 ½ x 2 x ¾ in
Estimate:
US$ 25,000 - 35,000
£16,000 - 22,000
€19,000 - 26,000
£16,000 - 22,000
€19,000 - 26,000
Footnotes
- Provenance: Ex. University of Arizona
Ex. Private Collection of Hubert de Monmonmier which was bequeathed to the University of Arizona Museum (and some pieces were sold off to provide ongoing endowment financing after the State cut funding).
Featured on the Front Cover and inside Lapis Magazine Calendar, Germany.
Accompanied by a custom-fitted acrylic base.
Category: Natural History
Auction terms and conditions
Contacts
Claudia Florian
Bonhams
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90046
United States
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Specialist
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Natural History
