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Lot 8186
Impressive Gold Nugget—“Silent Partner”
3 December 2006, 11:00 PST
Los AngelesUS$130,000 - US$180,000
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Find your local specialistImpressive Gold Nugget—“Silent Partner”
As with most gold nuggets, the circumstances leading to its retrieval are often as colorful as the specimens themselves. The anecdote surrounding the “Silent Partner” is no different and bears mentioning since it underscores how close to the surface these mineral riches may lie when discovered. The following story was related to us by its owner:
“A chap by the name of Jack “Short Temper” Piersall happened to be in the area because of some trouble back in the States. He decided that maybe the Outback would be a good place to find himself and get his life back together; and maybe have a little talk with the man upstairs. His fondness for blackberry brandy kept getting in the way of his forgotten Mormon faith. His temper softened after he met a little sheila named Hilda in town. About the only other friend he had was a black and white dog named Allen, that followed him everywhere.
One sunny afternoon in July 1942 Jack decided to go on a short walkabout and took Hilda and Allen along. While they got comfortable later in the day, the dog began to dig a bed for himself. As he dug, he began to whine and bark at the slight hole so Jack got up to investigate the problem. It seemed the dog had found a rock that wouldn’t move, a curiously orange color. Jack reached down and cleared away more dirt and found a pleasant surprise. It proved to be one of several nuggets in a loose line pattern. All joined in the digging and fortunately, the nuggets were barely below the surface. There were eight in all, the largest weighing 121.8 troy ounces. The entire string measured over 3 feet long, with the largest piece on the very end. If left intact, it would have been one of the largest specimens ever found anywhere. As it remains, this is still one of the most unique specimens for its size, possessing a character all its own.
Jack realized that he had a problem. How should he share his fortune and how much should Hilda get to keep his location a secret? Since he like her anyway, he proposed and married his new “silent partner”. Piersall returned to the area many times since but never reported any new finds.”
“Silent Partner” is spectacular display specimen of rugged appearance yet with a rich, buttery patina. There is evidence of some molten edges and minute traces of quartz, while its natural crevices and piercings lend character and interest. This is a rare nugget due to its size of significantly over 100 ounces troy—and its visual appeal. Weighing approximately 121.74 ozt (3786.6 grams, 10.145 troy pounds) and measuring 6 ¼ x 5 ½ x 2in
“A chap by the name of Jack “Short Temper” Piersall happened to be in the area because of some trouble back in the States. He decided that maybe the Outback would be a good place to find himself and get his life back together; and maybe have a little talk with the man upstairs. His fondness for blackberry brandy kept getting in the way of his forgotten Mormon faith. His temper softened after he met a little sheila named Hilda in town. About the only other friend he had was a black and white dog named Allen, that followed him everywhere.
One sunny afternoon in July 1942 Jack decided to go on a short walkabout and took Hilda and Allen along. While they got comfortable later in the day, the dog began to dig a bed for himself. As he dug, he began to whine and bark at the slight hole so Jack got up to investigate the problem. It seemed the dog had found a rock that wouldn’t move, a curiously orange color. Jack reached down and cleared away more dirt and found a pleasant surprise. It proved to be one of several nuggets in a loose line pattern. All joined in the digging and fortunately, the nuggets were barely below the surface. There were eight in all, the largest weighing 121.8 troy ounces. The entire string measured over 3 feet long, with the largest piece on the very end. If left intact, it would have been one of the largest specimens ever found anywhere. As it remains, this is still one of the most unique specimens for its size, possessing a character all its own.
Jack realized that he had a problem. How should he share his fortune and how much should Hilda get to keep his location a secret? Since he like her anyway, he proposed and married his new “silent partner”. Piersall returned to the area many times since but never reported any new finds.”
“Silent Partner” is spectacular display specimen of rugged appearance yet with a rich, buttery patina. There is evidence of some molten edges and minute traces of quartz, while its natural crevices and piercings lend character and interest. This is a rare nugget due to its size of significantly over 100 ounces troy—and its visual appeal. Weighing approximately 121.74 ozt (3786.6 grams, 10.145 troy pounds) and measuring 6 ¼ x 5 ½ x 2in