[meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin- VIDEO
Hello Listers I was able to find the episode where auction kings sold a Sikhote Alin for $2000. Here is a link to watch that episode. http://www.sendspace.com/file/iuekph Enjoy Shawn Alan IMCA 1633 eBay Store http://www.ebay.com/sch/ph0t0phl0w/m.html? http://www.meteoritefalls.com/ [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin Michael Gilmer meteoritemike at gmail.com Fri Mar 23 10:38:15 EDT 2012 * Previous message: [meteorite-list] AD New China Fall L5 Xining (Huangzhong) meteorite ending within tonight * Next message: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin * Messages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ] [ subject ] [ author ] Hi Folks, So last night I was going through the channel guide on cable TV and I saw that a show called "Auction Kings" was going to have a segment featuring a meteorite. I had never watched this show before, but I was very curious to see what type of meteorite would be shown. Apparently, the show is about a local auction house somewhere (not sure where). People bring in unusual items and the auction house sells them at open auction while the cameras follow the action. The meteorite segment came and here is where the fun begins This guy walks in carrying a Pelican-style case about the size of a camera case. He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about the size of a grapefruit. The meteorite had a nice patina, but the shape was not very interesting or sculpted. In other words, it was what most of us would call a "lump", but it was obvious from the appearance that it was a genuine Sikhote. First, the auction house guy was impressed because the meteorite had a certificate of authenticity. I thought this was laughable for obvious reasons and a man who runs an auction house should know that 99% of COA's are not worth the paper they are printed on. I can go outside, grab a rock from my driveway, and print up an official-looking COA for it. Next, the owner proceeds to demonstrate that the meteorite is "magnetic" because a magnet will stick to it and that is one of the key tests to determine if a meteorite is genuine. I'll skip comment on this misconception and use of improper terminology because the real kicker was still to come. So the owner tells the auction house that he is hoping to sell the meteorite to help pay for a vacation to Paris and he wants $1000 for it. Ok, at no point in the show was the weight of the specimen ever mentioned. So without knowing the weight, it is difficult to assign to solid value to the piece. But judging by what I saw (apparent size and shape), I'd guess the piece would sell on the meteorite market or eBay for about $250-$300. The owner's desired price of $1000 seemed unrealistic to me, but this is television and a bunch of people who don't know jack about meteorites, so anything is possible. The auction part comes, and they have a nice turn out with maybe two or three dozen potential bidders in attendance. The meteorite ignites a bidding war and the final price for the piece was.(*drumroll please*).. $2000! And the buyer was thrilled because he thought he got a good deal. Of course, once he gets home and does some Googling to learn more about his new meteorite, he might change his mind about the deal he got. He could have went on eBay and bought a half-dozen Sikhote shrapnels of that size for $2000. So the moral of this story is - if you have a local auction house near you, go down there with a meteorite and you might be pleasantly surprised how much money it will fetch. I'm opening up the yellow pages today and/or getting on the internet and see what kind of auction houses we have here in the Tampa area. I'll be more than happy to offer them all the $200 stones and irons they want, as long as they fetch $2000 each. Heck, even after the auction house takes it's percentage, that is still a great deal for the seller. And the best part is, once the buyer gets home and finds out he/she got burned on the price, they cannot get mad at the seller, because they are the ones who bid the item up. Dealers - check your local auction houses. Best regards, MikeG -- --- Galactic Stone & Ironworks - MikeG Web: http://www.galactic-stone.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/galacticstone Twitter: http://twitter.com/GalacticStone RSS: http://www.galactic-stone.com/rss/126516 --- * Previous message: [meteorite-list] AD New China Fall L5 Xining (Huangzhong) meteorite ending within tonight * Next message: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin * Messages sorted by: [ date ]
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin
That show was the second one like in the last little while that I have seen where a meteorite came up for auction. The other show was one where they had experts there and they looked at the items people brought and gave an evaluation. Then based on the evaluation they would decide if it went to auction. If i remember correctly, the meteorite was a stony in that one. Looked to weigh several pounds. I can't remember the selling price of it though. I told my wife at the time that I thought that was the wrong venue to sell something like a large stony meteorite. On Mar 23, 2012, at 8:38 AM, Michael Gilmer wrote: Hi Folks, So last night I was going through the channel guide on cable TV and I saw that a show called "Auction Kings" was going to have a segment featuring a meteorite. I had never watched this show before, but I was very curious to see what type of meteorite would be shown. Apparently, the show is about a local auction house somewhere (not sure where). People bring in unusual items and the auction house sells them at open auction while the cameras follow the action. The meteorite segment came and here is where the fun begins This guy walks in carrying a Pelican-style case about the size of a camera case. He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about the size of a grapefruit. The meteorite had a nice patina, but the shape was not very interesting or sculpted. In other words, it was what most of us would call a "lump", but it was obvious from the appearance that it was a genuine Sikhote. First, the auction house guy was impressed because the meteorite had a certificate of authenticity. I thought this was laughable for obvious reasons and a man who runs an auction house should know that 99% of COA's are not worth the paper they are printed on. I can go outside, grab a rock from my driveway, and print up an official-looking COA for it. Next, the owner proceeds to demonstrate that the meteorite is "magnetic" because a magnet will stick to it and that is one of the key tests to determine if a meteorite is genuine. I'll skip comment on this misconception and use of improper terminology because the real kicker was still to come. So the owner tells the auction house that he is hoping to sell the meteorite to help pay for a vacation to Paris and he wants $1000 for it. Ok, at no point in the show was the weight of the specimen ever mentioned. So without knowing the weight, it is difficult to assign to solid value to the piece. But judging by what I saw (apparent size and shape), I'd guess the piece would sell on the meteorite market or eBay for about $250-$300. The owner's desired price of $1000 seemed unrealistic to me, but this is television and a bunch of people who don't know jack about meteorites, so anything is possible. The auction part comes, and they have a nice turn out with maybe two or three dozen potential bidders in attendance. The meteorite ignites a bidding war and the final price for the piece was.(*drumroll please*).. $2000! And the buyer was thrilled because he thought he got a good deal. Of course, once he gets home and does some Googling to learn more about his new meteorite, he might change his mind about the deal he got. He could have went on eBay and bought a half-dozen Sikhote shrapnels of that size for $2000. So the moral of this story is - if you have a local auction house near you, go down there with a meteorite and you might be pleasantly surprised how much money it will fetch. I'm opening up the yellow pages today and/or getting on the internet and see what kind of auction houses we have here in the Tampa area. I'll be more than happy to offer them all the $200 stones and irons they want, as long as they fetch $2000 each. Heck, even after the auction house takes it's percentage, that is still a great deal for the seller. And the best part is, once the buyer gets home and finds out he/she got burned on the price, they cannot get mad at the seller, because they are the ones who bid the item up. Dealers - check your local auction houses. Best regards, MikeG -- --- Galactic Stone & Ironworks - MikeG Web: http://www.galactic-stone.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/galacticstone Twitter: http://twitter.com/GalacticStone RSS: http://www.galactic-stone.com/rss/126516 --- __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin
Speaking from experience with many auction houses: most houses stay around the 20% range but the bigger ones charge photo fees of $100-$400 and a buy back fee. So are they a better value than eBay? With the major auction houses, I find that about 40-60% of items I consign will sell. Most will sell at my reserve, but 1 in 4 will go for a crazy high price because of bidding wars. So I tend to use eBay for most of my low priced or specimens that are too specialized, while I consign more expensive or pretty items to auction houses. Pretty with a good story sells. - yinan Sent from my iPhone On Mar 23, 2012, at 8:13 PM, "Bob Falls" wrote: > > Hi Adam, > I was watching this show the other night (different episode) and did catch > them say at the > beginning that the auction house takes a 20% sellers premium. I have never > worked with an > auction house however this does not seem too bad based on the draw this > auction seems to have. > > Best Regards, > Bob Falls > Colorado Springs, CO > > > -Original Message- > From: meteorite-list-boun...@meteoritecentral.com > [mailto:meteorite-list-boun...@meteoritecentral.com] On Behalf Of Adam Hupe > Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 9:31 AM > To: Adam > Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin > > A lot of buyers judge the price of collectable items from eBay. EBay is > not known for fetching top dollar, especially on collectables. A solid > auction house will almost always fetch more than what would be realized > on eBay. The problem with many auction houses is that their commissions are > out of line, some > charging in excess of 40%! Then some fleece the > buyers with expensive shipping and handling fees. > > Don't get me wrong, there are a few great auction companies out there, I have > used some of > them. One problem I encountered is that if the item > doesn't sell or the buyer can't pay for the item after bidding on it, > then the seller can be out of some serious money including catalog and > no-sell fees. They need to do a better job of vetting their bidders! > > A lot of dealers don't bother with middle men anymore since they can get > wholesale prices right off of eBay. Some specialty shops get most of > there product from eBay, mark it up considerably and put it on their > shelves. The problem is that a lot the collectable items offered on eBay have > no expertise > behind them and are accidentally or purposely > misrepresented. > > There are reputable independent companies that can authenticate and paper > items so COAs are important to me. I wouldn't purchase a valuable > coin, baseball card or any other collectable without first seeing that > it has been papered through an independent grading and certificate > service. A properly papered item will almost always bring in the big > bucks in an auction house whereas it may not do so well on eBay where > some dealers tend to print their own COAs and grade items themselves. > > Kind Regards and Happy Collecting, > > Adam > __ > > Visit the Archives at > http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html > Meteorite-list mailing list > Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list > > __ > > Visit the Archives at > http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html > Meteorite-list mailing list > Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin
Yeah, I initially had the same reaction as Count...maybe not a good idea to switch the paradigm from in-the-know-competitive-market-driven-values to a free-for-all-mystique-value which eventually would upset at least some of the participants when the competitive-market-driven-values are discovered. Yet, who knows...value is where one finds it. As our passion now enjoys front-stage TV recognition, I'd be wrong to assert that mystique-value, (and throw in celebrity-value, howdy Geoff and Steve!) isn't now a new element; simply check ebay to see how celebrity status carries the day (something I applaud.) I doubt that rare metoeriteswill ever even enter into this arena: imagine if the consigned piece was a 1 gram 100% crusted Tissint...we'd hear the silence in the roomand wish we'd been there to offer $600 for the "tiny little thing." Hmmm...this is an interesting thread. Richard Montgomery - Original Message - From: "Count Deiro" To: "MexicoDoug" ; ; ; Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 2:54 PM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin Hi List, Most auctioneers and auction bidders wouldn't be able to tell a meteorite from a charcoal briquet. I think the rock in question sold cheap. The seller could have put $2,000 as the reserve and those bidders would have slugged it out to an even higher figure. Why do I say that? Because what they did proved They didn't know market prices, so they were being motivated by mystique, the Public misconception of value due to popular media BS... and finally...good ole competition between each other. Seen it happen a hundred times. It will keep happening until we screw it up by flooding the small auction houses with meteorites and telling everyone when they have paid too much. And if it bothers you to see someone pay more for something than you would. Then ask yourself...Am I upset because I could have been the seller and made that killing? Or am I upset because somebody made a bad buy? I thought so. Regards, Count Deiro IMCA 3536 -Original Message- From: MexicoDoug Sent: Mar 23, 2012 12:43 PM To: meteoritem...@gmail.com, meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin Mike G wrote: "He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about the size of a grapefruit." "I'd guess the piece would sell on the meteorite market or eBay for about $250-$300. The owner's desired price of $1000 seemed unrealistic to me." Mike, very entertaining! I think I will start meteorite hunting on eBay. I sure would be easier than in the field if what this is true. A Sikhote the size of a grapefruit, if we use the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) definition for an average pink grapefruit size, is ... 3.61 kg. So less eBay and paypal commissions, we must be receiving $218 for these Sikhote grapefruits, because we have an addiction to giving stuff away on eBay. ;-) The problem with "I caught a fish and it was *this big*" is you are building a story around a supposition you have made, when in fact $1000 may have been a reasonable offering price for the meteorite, or it may not have. Do you think 2.29 kg Campo for $749 is a better deal? http://www.galactic-stone.com/product/campo-del-cielo-iron-meteorite--big-centerpiece-specimen-229kg " and a bunch of people who don't know jack about meteorites" ???: huh? What does an isolated sales price have to do with knowing about meteorites? Kindest wishes Doug -----Original Message- From: Michael Gilmer To: meteorite-list Sent: Fri, Mar 23, 2012 10:38 am Subject: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin Hi Folks, So last night I was going through the channel guide on cable TV and I saw that a show called "Auction Kings" was going to have a segment featuring a meteorite. I had never watched this show before, but I was very curious to see what type of meteorite would be shown. Apparently, the show is about a local auction house somewhere (not sure where). People bring in unusual items and the auction house sells them at open auction while the cameras follow the action. The meteorite segment came and here is where the fun begins This guy walks in carrying a Pelican-style case about the size of a camera case. He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about the size of a grapefruit. The meteorite had a nice patina, but the shape was not very interesting or sculpted. In other words, it was what most of us would call a "lump", but it was obvious from the appearance that it was a genuine Sikhote. First, the auction house guy was impressed because the meteorite had a certificate of authenticity. I thought this was laughable for obvious reasons and a man who runs an auction house
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin
Hi Adam, I was watching this show the other night (different episode) and did catch them say at the beginning that the auction house takes a 20% sellers premium. I have never worked with an auction house however this does not seem too bad based on the draw this auction seems to have. Best Regards, Bob Falls Colorado Springs, CO -Original Message- From: meteorite-list-boun...@meteoritecentral.com [mailto:meteorite-list-boun...@meteoritecentral.com] On Behalf Of Adam Hupe Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 9:31 AM To: Adam Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin A lot of buyers judge the price of collectable items from eBay. EBay is not known for fetching top dollar, especially on collectables. A solid auction house will almost always fetch more than what would be realized on eBay. The problem with many auction houses is that their commissions are out of line, some charging in excess of 40%! Then some fleece the buyers with expensive shipping and handling fees. Don't get me wrong, there are a few great auction companies out there, I have used some of them. One problem I encountered is that if the item doesn't sell or the buyer can't pay for the item after bidding on it, then the seller can be out of some serious money including catalog and no-sell fees. They need to do a better job of vetting their bidders! A lot of dealers don't bother with middle men anymore since they can get wholesale prices right off of eBay. Some specialty shops get most of there product from eBay, mark it up considerably and put it on their shelves. The problem is that a lot the collectable items offered on eBay have no expertise behind them and are accidentally or purposely misrepresented. There are reputable independent companies that can authenticate and paper items so COAs are important to me. I wouldn't purchase a valuable coin, baseball card or any other collectable without first seeing that it has been papered through an independent grading and certificate service. A properly papered item will almost always bring in the big bucks in an auction house whereas it may not do so well on eBay where some dealers tend to print their own COAs and grade items themselves. Kind Regards and Happy Collecting, Adam __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin
I've seen this show a number of times and there was no reserve, for some reason there just was a lot of bidding. Greg S -Original Message- From: Count Deiro Sent: 23 Mar 2012 21:54:25 GMT To: MexicoDoug,meteoritem...@gmail.com,meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com,meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin Hi List, Most auctioneers and auction bidders wouldn't be able to tell a meteorite from a charcoal briquet. I think the rock in question sold cheap. The seller could have put $2,000 as the reserve and those bidders would have slugged it out to an even higher figure. Why do I say that? Because what they did proved They didn't know market prices, so they were being motivated by mystique, the Public misconception of value due to popular media BS... and finally...good ole competition between each other. Seen it happen a hundred times. It will keep happening until we screw it up by flooding the small auction houses with meteorites and telling everyone when they have paid too much. And if it bothers you to see someone pay more for something than you would. Then ask yourself...Am I upset because I could have been the seller and made that killing? Or am I upset because somebody made a bad buy? I thought so. Regards, Count Deiro IMCA 3536 -Original Message- >From: MexicoDoug >Sent: Mar 23, 2012 12:43 PM >To: meteoritem...@gmail.com, meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com >Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin > >Mike G wrote: > >"He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about the size of a >grapefruit." > >"I'd guess the piece would sell on the meteorite market or eBay for >about $250-$300. The owner's desired price of $1000 seemed unrealistic >to me." > >Mike, very entertaining! I think I will start meteorite hunting on >eBay. I sure would be easier than in the field if what this is true. >A Sikhote the size of a grapefruit, if we use the United States >Department of Agriculture's (USDA) definition for an average pink >grapefruit size, is ... > >3.61 kg. > >So less eBay and paypal commissions, we must be receiving $218 for >these Sikhote grapefruits, because we have an addiction to giving stuff >away on eBay. ;-) >The problem with "I caught a fish and it was *this big*" is you are >building a story around a supposition you have made, when in fact $1000 >may have been a reasonable offering price for the meteorite, or it may >not have. > >Do you think 2.29 kg Campo for $749 is a better deal? > >http://www.galactic-stone.com/product/campo-del-cielo-iron-meteorite--big-centerpiece-specimen-229kg > >" and a bunch of people who don't know jack about meteorites" > >???: huh? What does an isolated sales price have to do with knowing >about meteorites? > >Kindest wishes >Doug > > > > > > > >-Original Message- >From: Michael Gilmer >To: meteorite-list >Sent: Fri, Mar 23, 2012 10:38 am >Subject: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin > > >Hi Folks, > >So last night I was going through the channel guide on cable TV and I >saw that a show called "Auction Kings" was going to have a segment >featuring a meteorite. I had never watched this show before, but I >was very curious to see what type of meteorite would be shown. > >Apparently, the show is about a local auction house somewhere (not >sure where). People bring in unusual items and the auction house >sells them at open auction while the cameras follow the action. > >The meteorite segment came and here is where the fun begins > >This guy walks in carrying a Pelican-style case about the size of a >camera case. He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about >the size of a grapefruit. The meteorite had a nice patina, but the >shape was not very interesting or sculpted. In other words, it was >what most of us would call a "lump", but it was obvious from the >appearance that it was a genuine Sikhote. > >First, the auction house guy was impressed because the meteorite had a >certificate of authenticity. I thought this was laughable for obvious >reasons and a man who runs an auction house should know that 99% of >COA's are not worth the paper they are printed on. I can go outside, >grab a rock from my driveway, and print up an official-looking COA for >it. > >Next, the owner proceeds to demonstrate that the meteorite is >"magnetic" because a magnet will stick to it and that is one of the >key tests to determine if a meteorite is genuine. I'll skip comment >on this misconception and use of improper terminolog
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin
Hi List, Most auctioneers and auction bidders wouldn't be able to tell a meteorite from a charcoal briquet. I think the rock in question sold cheap. The seller could have put $2,000 as the reserve and those bidders would have slugged it out to an even higher figure. Why do I say that? Because what they did proved They didn't know market prices, so they were being motivated by mystique, the Public misconception of value due to popular media BS... and finally...good ole competition between each other. Seen it happen a hundred times. It will keep happening until we screw it up by flooding the small auction houses with meteorites and telling everyone when they have paid too much. And if it bothers you to see someone pay more for something than you would. Then ask yourself...Am I upset because I could have been the seller and made that killing? Or am I upset because somebody made a bad buy? I thought so. Regards, Count Deiro IMCA 3536 -Original Message- >From: MexicoDoug >Sent: Mar 23, 2012 12:43 PM >To: meteoritem...@gmail.com, meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com >Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin > >Mike G wrote: > >"He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about the size of a >grapefruit." > >"I'd guess the piece would sell on the meteorite market or eBay for >about $250-$300. The owner's desired price of $1000 seemed unrealistic >to me." > >Mike, very entertaining! I think I will start meteorite hunting on >eBay. I sure would be easier than in the field if what this is true. >A Sikhote the size of a grapefruit, if we use the United States >Department of Agriculture's (USDA) definition for an average pink >grapefruit size, is ... > >3.61 kg. > >So less eBay and paypal commissions, we must be receiving $218 for >these Sikhote grapefruits, because we have an addiction to giving stuff >away on eBay. ;-) >The problem with "I caught a fish and it was *this big*" is you are >building a story around a supposition you have made, when in fact $1000 >may have been a reasonable offering price for the meteorite, or it may >not have. > >Do you think 2.29 kg Campo for $749 is a better deal? > >http://www.galactic-stone.com/product/campo-del-cielo-iron-meteorite--big-centerpiece-specimen-229kg > >" and a bunch of people who don't know jack about meteorites" > >???: huh? What does an isolated sales price have to do with knowing >about meteorites? > >Kindest wishes >Doug > > > > > > > >-Original Message- >From: Michael Gilmer >To: meteorite-list >Sent: Fri, Mar 23, 2012 10:38 am >Subject: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin > > >Hi Folks, > >So last night I was going through the channel guide on cable TV and I >saw that a show called "Auction Kings" was going to have a segment >featuring a meteorite. I had never watched this show before, but I >was very curious to see what type of meteorite would be shown. > >Apparently, the show is about a local auction house somewhere (not >sure where). People bring in unusual items and the auction house >sells them at open auction while the cameras follow the action. > >The meteorite segment came and here is where the fun begins > >This guy walks in carrying a Pelican-style case about the size of a >camera case. He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about >the size of a grapefruit. The meteorite had a nice patina, but the >shape was not very interesting or sculpted. In other words, it was >what most of us would call a "lump", but it was obvious from the >appearance that it was a genuine Sikhote. > >First, the auction house guy was impressed because the meteorite had a >certificate of authenticity. I thought this was laughable for obvious >reasons and a man who runs an auction house should know that 99% of >COA's are not worth the paper they are printed on. I can go outside, >grab a rock from my driveway, and print up an official-looking COA for >it. > >Next, the owner proceeds to demonstrate that the meteorite is >"magnetic" because a magnet will stick to it and that is one of the >key tests to determine if a meteorite is genuine. I'll skip comment >on this misconception and use of improper terminology because the real >kicker was still to come. > >So the owner tells the auction house that he is hoping to sell the >meteorite to help pay for a vacation to Paris and he wants $1000 for >it. > >Ok, at no point in the show was the weight of the specimen ever >mentioned. So without knowing the weight, it is difficult to assign >to solid value to
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin
Yup, that's it. :) My main point in posting that originally was to say that dealers might consider looking into their local auction houses as an alternate venue for sales. With eBay fees continually climbing, there might come a day when the local auction house's fees are not that much higher than selling on eBay. Combined listing, final value, and PayPal fees already have reached about 10% of the sale price, so we are well on our way. The auction market is a fickle mistress indeed. Best regards, MikeG -- --- Galactic Stone & Ironworks - MikeG Web: http://www.galactic-stone.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/galacticstone Twitter: http://twitter.com/GalacticStone RSS: http://www.galactic-stone.com/rss/126516 --- On 3/23/12, MexicoDoug wrote: > "The Sikhote on the TV show was similar in size, shape, and quality to > this one - http://www.ebay..."; > > Something like this? > http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/auction-kings-meteorite-man.html > > "that is up to the buyer to decide" > > Yes - so true! > > Kindest wishes > Doug > > > > > > -Original Message- > From: Michael Gilmer > To: MexicoDoug > Cc: meteorite-list > Sent: Fri, Mar 23, 2012 4:01 pm > Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote > Alin > > > Hi Doug, > > Ok, perhaps a cueball or baseball would be a better analogy. The > specimen was about fist-sized and easily fit in the palm of the hand. > I've seen similar-sized Sikhote shrapnels regularly sell for far less > than $1000, less yet $2000. > > I can't state whether or not any meteorite, even my own, are a good > deal or not - that is up to the buyer to decide. In the case of the > Campo irons I sell on my website, they sell and every buyer has been > happy with their purchase - not a single complaint or return. And > some of those buyers were experienced collectors - they decided that a > Campo that will never rust is worth the extra money. (barring putting > it into a swimming pool) > > The Sikhote on the TV show was similar in size, shape, and quality to > this one - > http://www.ebay.com/itm/Collection-Meteorite-203Gr-Shaped-SIKHOTE-ALIN-Shrapnel-/370541768509?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item564602af3d > > Best regards, > > MikeG > > -- > --- > Galactic Stone & Ironworks - MikeG > > Web: http://www.galactic-stone.com > Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/galacticstone > Twitter: http://twitter.com/GalacticStone > RSS: http://www.galactic-stone.com/rss/126516 > --- > > > On 3/23/12, MexicoDoug wrote: >> Mike G wrote: >> >> "He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about the size of > a >> grapefruit." >> >> "I'd guess the piece would sell on the meteorite market or eBay for >> about $250-$300. The owner's desired price of $1000 seemed > unrealistic >> to me." >> >> Mike, very entertaining! I think I will start meteorite hunting on >> eBay. I sure would be easier than in the field if what this is true. >> A Sikhote the size of a grapefruit, if we use the United States >> Department of Agriculture's (USDA) definition for an average pink >> grapefruit size, is ... >> >> 3.61 kg. >> >> So less eBay and paypal commissions, we must be receiving $218 for >> these Sikhote grapefruits, because we have an addiction to giving > stuff >> away on eBay. ;-) >> The problem with "I caught a fish and it was *this big*" is you are >> building a story around a supposition you have made, when in fact > $1000 >> may have been a reasonable offering price for the meteorite, or it may >> not have. >> >> Do you think 2.29 kg Campo for $749 is a better deal? >> >> > http://www.galactic-stone.com/product/campo-del-cielo-iron-meteorite--big-centerpiece-specimen-229kg >> >> " and a bunch of people who don't know jack about meteorites" >> >> ???: huh? What does an isolated sales price have to do with knowing >> about meteorites? >> >> Kindest wishes >> Doug >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -Original Message- >> From: Michael Gilmer >> To: meteorite-list >> Sent: Fri, Mar 23, 2012 10:38 am >> Subject: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin >> >> >> Hi Folks, >> >> So last night I was going through
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin
"The Sikhote on the TV show was similar in size, shape, and quality to this one - http://www.ebay..."; Something like this? http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/auction-kings-meteorite-man.html "that is up to the buyer to decide" Yes - so true! Kindest wishes Doug -Original Message- From: Michael Gilmer To: MexicoDoug Cc: meteorite-list Sent: Fri, Mar 23, 2012 4:01 pm Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin Hi Doug, Ok, perhaps a cueball or baseball would be a better analogy. The specimen was about fist-sized and easily fit in the palm of the hand. I've seen similar-sized Sikhote shrapnels regularly sell for far less than $1000, less yet $2000. I can't state whether or not any meteorite, even my own, are a good deal or not - that is up to the buyer to decide. In the case of the Campo irons I sell on my website, they sell and every buyer has been happy with their purchase - not a single complaint or return. And some of those buyers were experienced collectors - they decided that a Campo that will never rust is worth the extra money. (barring putting it into a swimming pool) The Sikhote on the TV show was similar in size, shape, and quality to this one - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Collection-Meteorite-203Gr-Shaped-SIKHOTE-ALIN-Shrapnel-/370541768509?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item564602af3d Best regards, MikeG -- --- Galactic Stone & Ironworks - MikeG Web: http://www.galactic-stone.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/galacticstone Twitter: http://twitter.com/GalacticStone RSS: http://www.galactic-stone.com/rss/126516 --- On 3/23/12, MexicoDoug wrote: Mike G wrote: "He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about the size of a grapefruit." "I'd guess the piece would sell on the meteorite market or eBay for about $250-$300. The owner's desired price of $1000 seemed unrealistic to me." Mike, very entertaining! I think I will start meteorite hunting on eBay. I sure would be easier than in the field if what this is true. A Sikhote the size of a grapefruit, if we use the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) definition for an average pink grapefruit size, is ... 3.61 kg. So less eBay and paypal commissions, we must be receiving $218 for these Sikhote grapefruits, because we have an addiction to giving stuff away on eBay. ;-) The problem with "I caught a fish and it was *this big*" is you are building a story around a supposition you have made, when in fact $1000 may have been a reasonable offering price for the meteorite, or it may not have. Do you think 2.29 kg Campo for $749 is a better deal? http://www.galactic-stone.com/product/campo-del-cielo-iron-meteorite--big-centerpiece-specimen-229kg " and a bunch of people who don't know jack about meteorites" ???: huh? What does an isolated sales price have to do with knowing about meteorites? Kindest wishes Doug -Original Message----- From: Michael Gilmer To: meteorite-list Sent: Fri, Mar 23, 2012 10:38 am Subject: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin Hi Folks, So last night I was going through the channel guide on cable TV and I saw that a show called "Auction Kings" was going to have a segment featuring a meteorite. I had never watched this show before, but I was very curious to see what type of meteorite would be shown. Apparently, the show is about a local auction house somewhere (not sure where). People bring in unusual items and the auction house sells them at open auction while the cameras follow the action. The meteorite segment came and here is where the fun begins This guy walks in carrying a Pelican-style case about the size of a camera case. He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about the size of a grapefruit. The meteorite had a nice patina, but the shape was not very interesting or sculpted. In other words, it was what most of us would call a "lump", but it was obvious from the appearance that it was a genuine Sikhote. First, the auction house guy was impressed because the meteorite had a certificate of authenticity. I thought this was laughable for obvious reasons and a man who runs an auction house should know that 99% of COA's are not worth the paper they are printed on. I can go outside, grab a rock from my driveway, and print up an official-looking COA for it. Next, the owner proceeds to demonstrate that the meteorite is "magnetic" because a magnet will stick to it and that is one of the key tests to determine if a meteorite is genuine. I'll skip comment on this misconception and use of improper terminology because the real kicker was still to come. So the owner tells the auction house that he is hoping to sel
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin
Hi Doug, Ok, perhaps a cueball or baseball would be a better analogy. The specimen was about fist-sized and easily fit in the palm of the hand. I've seen similar-sized Sikhote shrapnels regularly sell for far less than $1000, less yet $2000. I can't state whether or not any meteorite, even my own, are a good deal or not - that is up to the buyer to decide. In the case of the Campo irons I sell on my website, they sell and every buyer has been happy with their purchase - not a single complaint or return. And some of those buyers were experienced collectors - they decided that a Campo that will never rust is worth the extra money. (barring putting it into a swimming pool) The Sikhote on the TV show was similar in size, shape, and quality to this one - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Collection-Meteorite-203Gr-Shaped-SIKHOTE-ALIN-Shrapnel-/370541768509?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item564602af3d Best regards, MikeG -- --- Galactic Stone & Ironworks - MikeG Web: http://www.galactic-stone.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/galacticstone Twitter: http://twitter.com/GalacticStone RSS: http://www.galactic-stone.com/rss/126516 --- On 3/23/12, MexicoDoug wrote: > Mike G wrote: > > "He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about the size of a > grapefruit." > > "I'd guess the piece would sell on the meteorite market or eBay for > about $250-$300. The owner's desired price of $1000 seemed unrealistic > to me." > > Mike, very entertaining! I think I will start meteorite hunting on > eBay. I sure would be easier than in the field if what this is true. > A Sikhote the size of a grapefruit, if we use the United States > Department of Agriculture's (USDA) definition for an average pink > grapefruit size, is ... > > 3.61 kg. > > So less eBay and paypal commissions, we must be receiving $218 for > these Sikhote grapefruits, because we have an addiction to giving stuff > away on eBay. ;-) > The problem with "I caught a fish and it was *this big*" is you are > building a story around a supposition you have made, when in fact $1000 > may have been a reasonable offering price for the meteorite, or it may > not have. > > Do you think 2.29 kg Campo for $749 is a better deal? > > http://www.galactic-stone.com/product/campo-del-cielo-iron-meteorite--big-centerpiece-specimen-229kg > > " and a bunch of people who don't know jack about meteorites" > > ???: huh? What does an isolated sales price have to do with knowing > about meteorites? > > Kindest wishes > Doug > > > > > > > > -Original Message- > From: Michael Gilmer > To: meteorite-list > Sent: Fri, Mar 23, 2012 10:38 am > Subject: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin > > > Hi Folks, > > So last night I was going through the channel guide on cable TV and I > saw that a show called "Auction Kings" was going to have a segment > featuring a meteorite. I had never watched this show before, but I > was very curious to see what type of meteorite would be shown. > > Apparently, the show is about a local auction house somewhere (not > sure where). People bring in unusual items and the auction house > sells them at open auction while the cameras follow the action. > > The meteorite segment came and here is where the fun begins > > This guy walks in carrying a Pelican-style case about the size of a > camera case. He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about > the size of a grapefruit. The meteorite had a nice patina, but the > shape was not very interesting or sculpted. In other words, it was > what most of us would call a "lump", but it was obvious from the > appearance that it was a genuine Sikhote. > > First, the auction house guy was impressed because the meteorite had a > certificate of authenticity. I thought this was laughable for obvious > reasons and a man who runs an auction house should know that 99% of > COA's are not worth the paper they are printed on. I can go outside, > grab a rock from my driveway, and print up an official-looking COA for > it. > > Next, the owner proceeds to demonstrate that the meteorite is > "magnetic" because a magnet will stick to it and that is one of the > key tests to determine if a meteorite is genuine. I'll skip comment > on this misconception and use of improper terminology because the real > kicker was still to come. > > So the owner tells the auction house that he is hoping to sell the > meteorite to help pay for a vacation to Paris and he wants $1000 for > it. > > Ok, at no po
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin
Mike G wrote: "He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about the size of a grapefruit." "I'd guess the piece would sell on the meteorite market or eBay for about $250-$300. The owner's desired price of $1000 seemed unrealistic to me." Mike, very entertaining! I think I will start meteorite hunting on eBay. I sure would be easier than in the field if what this is true. A Sikhote the size of a grapefruit, if we use the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) definition for an average pink grapefruit size, is ... 3.61 kg. So less eBay and paypal commissions, we must be receiving $218 for these Sikhote grapefruits, because we have an addiction to giving stuff away on eBay. ;-) The problem with "I caught a fish and it was *this big*" is you are building a story around a supposition you have made, when in fact $1000 may have been a reasonable offering price for the meteorite, or it may not have. Do you think 2.29 kg Campo for $749 is a better deal? http://www.galactic-stone.com/product/campo-del-cielo-iron-meteorite--big-centerpiece-specimen-229kg " and a bunch of people who don't know jack about meteorites" ???: huh? What does an isolated sales price have to do with knowing about meteorites? Kindest wishes Doug -Original Message- From: Michael Gilmer To: meteorite-list Sent: Fri, Mar 23, 2012 10:38 am Subject: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin Hi Folks, So last night I was going through the channel guide on cable TV and I saw that a show called "Auction Kings" was going to have a segment featuring a meteorite. I had never watched this show before, but I was very curious to see what type of meteorite would be shown. Apparently, the show is about a local auction house somewhere (not sure where). People bring in unusual items and the auction house sells them at open auction while the cameras follow the action. The meteorite segment came and here is where the fun begins This guy walks in carrying a Pelican-style case about the size of a camera case. He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about the size of a grapefruit. The meteorite had a nice patina, but the shape was not very interesting or sculpted. In other words, it was what most of us would call a "lump", but it was obvious from the appearance that it was a genuine Sikhote. First, the auction house guy was impressed because the meteorite had a certificate of authenticity. I thought this was laughable for obvious reasons and a man who runs an auction house should know that 99% of COA's are not worth the paper they are printed on. I can go outside, grab a rock from my driveway, and print up an official-looking COA for it. Next, the owner proceeds to demonstrate that the meteorite is "magnetic" because a magnet will stick to it and that is one of the key tests to determine if a meteorite is genuine. I'll skip comment on this misconception and use of improper terminology because the real kicker was still to come. So the owner tells the auction house that he is hoping to sell the meteorite to help pay for a vacation to Paris and he wants $1000 for it. Ok, at no point in the show was the weight of the specimen ever mentioned. So without knowing the weight, it is difficult to assign to solid value to the piece. But judging by what I saw (apparent size and shape), I'd guess the piece would sell on the meteorite market or eBay for about $250-$300. The owner's desired price of $1000 seemed unrealistic to me, but this is television and a bunch of people who don't know jack about meteorites, so anything is possible. The auction part comes, and they have a nice turn out with maybe two or three dozen potential bidders in attendance. The meteorite ignites a bidding war and the final price for the piece was.(*drumroll please*).. $2000! And the buyer was thrilled because he thought he got a good deal. Of course, once he gets home and does some Googling to learn more about his new meteorite, he might change his mind about the deal he got. He could have went on eBay and bought a half-dozen Sikhote shrapnels of that size for $2000. So the moral of this story is - if you have a local auction house near you, go down there with a meteorite and you might be pleasantly surprised how much money it will fetch. I'm opening up the yellow pages today and/or getting on the internet and see what kind of auction houses we have here in the Tampa area. I'll be more than happy to offer them all the $200 stones and irons they want, as long as they fetch $2000 each. Heck, even after the auction house takes it's percentage, that is still a great deal for the seller. And the best part is, once the buyer gets home and finds out he/she got burned on the price, they cannot get m
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin
Michael: I watch this show as I'm fascinated will all kinds of collectables, and this is an old episode which first aired about a year ago. The auction house is based in Atlanta GA. I agree that it was very high, but the is the nature of autions. Perhaps try one near and see what happens. Greg S -Original Message- From: Michael Gilmer Sent: 23 Mar 2012 14:38:21 GMT To: meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Subject: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin Hi Folks, So last night I was going through the channel guide on cable TV and I saw that a show called "Auction Kings" was going to have a segment featuring a meteorite. I had never watched this show before, but I was very curious to see what type of meteorite would be shown. Apparently, the show is about a local auction house somewhere (not sure where). People bring in unusual items and the auction house sells them at open auction while the cameras follow the action. The meteorite segment came and here is where the fun begins This guy walks in carrying a Pelican-style case about the size of a camera case. He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about the size of a grapefruit. The meteorite had a nice patina, but the shape was not very interesting or sculpted. In other words, it was what most of us would call a "lump", but it was obvious from the appearance that it was a genuine Sikhote. First, the auction house guy was impressed because the meteorite had a certificate of authenticity. I thought this was laughable for obvious reasons and a man who runs an auction house should know that 99% of COA's are not worth the paper they are printed on. I can go outside, grab a rock from my driveway, and print up an official-looking COA for it. Next, the owner proceeds to demonstrate that the meteorite is "magnetic" because a magnet will stick to it and that is one of the key tests to determine if a meteorite is genuine. I'll skip comment on this misconception and use of improper terminology because the real kicker was still to come. So the owner tells the auction house that he is hoping to sell the meteorite to help pay for a vacation to Paris and he wants $1000 for it. Ok, at no point in the show was the weight of the specimen ever mentioned. So without knowing the weight, it is difficult to assign to solid value to the piece. But judging by what I saw (apparent size and shape), I'd guess the piece would sell on the meteorite market or eBay for about $250-$300. The owner's desired price of $1000 seemed unrealistic to me, but this is television and a bunch of people who don't know jack about meteorites, so anything is possible. The auction part comes, and they have a nice turn out with maybe two or three dozen potential bidders in attendance. The meteorite ignites a bidding war and the final price for the piece was.(*drumroll please*).. $2000! And the buyer was thrilled because he thought he got a good deal. Of course, once he gets home and does some Googling to learn more about his new meteorite, he might change his mind about the deal he got. He could have went on eBay and bought a half-dozen Sikhote shrapnels of that size for $2000. So the moral of this story is - if you have a local auction house near you, go down there with a meteorite and you might be pleasantly surprised how much money it will fetch. I'm opening up the yellow pages today and/or getting on the internet and see what kind of auction houses we have here in the Tampa area. I'll be more than happy to offer them all the $200 stones and irons they want, as long as they fetch $2000 each. Heck, even after the auction house takes it's percentage, that is still a great deal for the seller. And the best part is, once the buyer gets home and finds out he/she got burned on the price, they cannot get mad at the seller, because they are the ones who bid the item up. Dealers - check your local auction houses. Best regards, MikeG -- --- Galactic Stone & Ironworks - MikeG Web: http://www.galactic-stone.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/galacticstone Twitter: http://twitter.com/GalacticStone RSS: http://www.galactic-stone.com/rss/126516 --- __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin
Hi Adam and List, Some good points there. About COA's - even if a COA comes from a trusted grading or certification firm, the value in the COA is not the COA itself, it is the name of the grading or certification service on it that is known to collectors of that particular type of collectible. If you buy a rare collectible and the COA says "Confirmed authentic by Acme Certification Services, Walla Walla Washington, Serial number #123456", then the value of the certificate is that the buyer or potential buyer can contact Acme Services, have them check their database and confirm that the item in question is indeed genuine. However, anyone can print a piece of paper that looks like it came from Acme Certification Services and the ruse will only be exposed if the buyer follows up on the info printed on the COA. The COA itself is worthless. In the world of meteorites, there is no certification service or central authority that can be relied upon to authenticate meteorites. Without an authoritative body backing a COA, it's just a pretty piece of paper. Otherwise, I agree 100% with the other things you said. :) Best regards, MikeG -- --- Galactic Stone & Ironworks - MikeG Web: http://www.galactic-stone.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/galacticstone Twitter: http://twitter.com/GalacticStone RSS: http://www.galactic-stone.com/rss/126516 --- On 3/23/12, Adam Hupe wrote: > A lot of buyers judge the price of collectable items from eBay. EBay is > not known for fetching top dollar, especially on collectables. A solid > auction house will almost always fetch more than what would be realized > on eBay. The problem with many auction houses is that their commissions are > out of line, some charging in excess of 40%! Then some fleece the > buyers with expensive shipping and handling fees. > > Don't get me wrong, there are a few great auction companies out there, I > have used some of them. One problem I encountered is that if the item > doesn't sell or the buyer can't pay for the item after bidding on it, > then the seller can be out of some serious money including catalog and > no-sell fees. They need to do a better job of vetting their bidders! > > A lot of dealers don't bother with middle men anymore since they can get > wholesale prices right off of eBay. Some specialty shops get most of > there product from eBay, mark it up considerably and put it on their > shelves. The problem is that a lot the collectable items offered on eBay > have no expertise behind them and are accidentally or purposely > misrepresented. > > There are reputable independent companies that can authenticate and paper > items so COAs are important to me. I wouldn't purchase a valuable > coin, baseball card or any other collectable without first seeing that > it has been papered through an independent grading and certificate > service. A properly papered item will almost always bring in the big > bucks in an auction house whereas it may not do so well on eBay where > some dealers tend to print their own COAs and grade items themselves. > > Kind Regards and Happy Collecting, > > Adam > __ > > Visit the Archives at > http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html > Meteorite-list mailing list > Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com > http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list > __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin
A lot of buyers judge the price of collectable items from eBay. EBay is not known for fetching top dollar, especially on collectables. A solid auction house will almost always fetch more than what would be realized on eBay. The problem with many auction houses is that their commissions are out of line, some charging in excess of 40%! Then some fleece the buyers with expensive shipping and handling fees. Don't get me wrong, there are a few great auction companies out there, I have used some of them. One problem I encountered is that if the item doesn't sell or the buyer can't pay for the item after bidding on it, then the seller can be out of some serious money including catalog and no-sell fees. They need to do a better job of vetting their bidders! A lot of dealers don't bother with middle men anymore since they can get wholesale prices right off of eBay. Some specialty shops get most of there product from eBay, mark it up considerably and put it on their shelves. The problem is that a lot the collectable items offered on eBay have no expertise behind them and are accidentally or purposely misrepresented. There are reputable independent companies that can authenticate and paper items so COAs are important to me. I wouldn't purchase a valuable coin, baseball card or any other collectable without first seeing that it has been papered through an independent grading and certificate service. A properly papered item will almost always bring in the big bucks in an auction house whereas it may not do so well on eBay where some dealers tend to print their own COAs and grade items themselves. Kind Regards and Happy Collecting, Adam __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] Auction Kings meteorite - $2000 Sikhote Alin
Hi Folks, So last night I was going through the channel guide on cable TV and I saw that a show called "Auction Kings" was going to have a segment featuring a meteorite. I had never watched this show before, but I was very curious to see what type of meteorite would be shown. Apparently, the show is about a local auction house somewhere (not sure where). People bring in unusual items and the auction house sells them at open auction while the cameras follow the action. The meteorite segment came and here is where the fun begins This guy walks in carrying a Pelican-style case about the size of a camera case. He opens it and brings out a Sikhote Alin shrapnel about the size of a grapefruit. The meteorite had a nice patina, but the shape was not very interesting or sculpted. In other words, it was what most of us would call a "lump", but it was obvious from the appearance that it was a genuine Sikhote. First, the auction house guy was impressed because the meteorite had a certificate of authenticity. I thought this was laughable for obvious reasons and a man who runs an auction house should know that 99% of COA's are not worth the paper they are printed on. I can go outside, grab a rock from my driveway, and print up an official-looking COA for it. Next, the owner proceeds to demonstrate that the meteorite is "magnetic" because a magnet will stick to it and that is one of the key tests to determine if a meteorite is genuine. I'll skip comment on this misconception and use of improper terminology because the real kicker was still to come. So the owner tells the auction house that he is hoping to sell the meteorite to help pay for a vacation to Paris and he wants $1000 for it. Ok, at no point in the show was the weight of the specimen ever mentioned. So without knowing the weight, it is difficult to assign to solid value to the piece. But judging by what I saw (apparent size and shape), I'd guess the piece would sell on the meteorite market or eBay for about $250-$300. The owner's desired price of $1000 seemed unrealistic to me, but this is television and a bunch of people who don't know jack about meteorites, so anything is possible. The auction part comes, and they have a nice turn out with maybe two or three dozen potential bidders in attendance. The meteorite ignites a bidding war and the final price for the piece was.(*drumroll please*).. $2000! And the buyer was thrilled because he thought he got a good deal. Of course, once he gets home and does some Googling to learn more about his new meteorite, he might change his mind about the deal he got. He could have went on eBay and bought a half-dozen Sikhote shrapnels of that size for $2000. So the moral of this story is - if you have a local auction house near you, go down there with a meteorite and you might be pleasantly surprised how much money it will fetch. I'm opening up the yellow pages today and/or getting on the internet and see what kind of auction houses we have here in the Tampa area. I'll be more than happy to offer them all the $200 stones and irons they want, as long as they fetch $2000 each. Heck, even after the auction house takes it's percentage, that is still a great deal for the seller. And the best part is, once the buyer gets home and finds out he/she got burned on the price, they cannot get mad at the seller, because they are the ones who bid the item up. Dealers - check your local auction houses. Best regards, MikeG -- --- Galactic Stone & Ironworks - MikeG Web: http://www.galactic-stone.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/galacticstone Twitter: http://twitter.com/GalacticStone RSS: http://www.galactic-stone.com/rss/126516 --- __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
