ID 491211
Lot 1 | SIKHOTE-ALIN METEORITE — FROM ONE OF THE LARGEST METEORITE SHOWERS IN HUMAN HISTORY
Estimate value
$ 1 000 – 1 800
As evidenced by the regmaglypts (thumbprints) blanketing both sides of this mass, this meteorite was not part of the massive low-altitude explosion. Instead, this specimen broke free at a much higher altitude in the mesosphere, providing sufficient time to experience frictional heating with the atmosphere to form the regmaglypts carved into the specimen. The reverse evidences a planar component, testimony to where this meteorite was shorn from another mass along a crystalline plane. Wrapped in a pewter-hued patina with charcoal accents on both the obverse and reverse, this somewhat elongated specimen ripples with character. Accompanied by a custom armature, the meteorite now offered originates from the biggest meteorite shower since the dawn of civilization.
Christie's would like to thank Dr. Alan E. Rubin at the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles for his assistance in preparing this catalogue.
93 x 50 x 23mm (3.66 x 2 x 1 in.) and 266.7g (0.5 lbs)
Address of auction |
CHRISTIE'S 20 Rockefeller Plaza 10020 New York USA | ||||||||||||||
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Preview |
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Phone | +1 212 636 2000 | ||||||||||||||
Fax | +1 212 636 4930 | ||||||||||||||
Conditions of purchase | Conditions of purchase | ||||||||||||||
Shipping |
Postal service Courier service pickup by yourself | ||||||||||||||
Payment methods |
Wire Transfer | ||||||||||||||
Business hours | Business hours
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