[meteorite-list] Collector's are Nuts!

[Chris Spratt]

Dear List:

Ed Majden (on this list) saw my collection in 1988 (not 1987) when the 
ASP, AAA and RASC held a joint meeting in the summer at the University 
of Victoria. John Dobson was also here and showed us his "Dobsonian" 
telescope. At that time there weren't the number of meteorite collectors 
as there are now, so the specimens I had on display were of great interest
to all. (Probably got a couple of others including Ed interested in 
collecting.)

Some of the meteorites I displayed were on loan from the Geological 
Survey's National Meteorite Collection, courtesy of Peter Millman and 
Ian Halliday, who brought some Canadian specimens for me to show. I had 
to send those specimens back. SIGH! So, after collecting meteroites and 
tektites, for nearly 20 years, in late 2001, I "donated" the collection 
to the National Collection because according to the Canadian Government 
and the Geological Survey scientists, the University of Victoria didn't 
have a proper facility for curating such a large meteorite collection 
and it wouldn't be approved for many years if ever. This was all 
government red tape I hadn't anticipated. At the time when I approached 
them first, the University was interested but without proper curating 
approval (which they weren't interested in obtaining at that time if 
ever ) subsequentally dropped out of the running.  All I wanted from 
them (UVic) , at that time, was an honorary degree. (I felt with my 
amateur astronomy skills, that  I was at least deserving of that. Had a 
really big ego then!) No go there either.

After about 2 years of negotiating with the Canadian Government etc., I 
was allowed a tax deduction out of it, but this was far, far less than 
the collection would have fetched on the open (world) market (I was 
required to sell it within Canada, as it contained Canadian specimens 
and some specimens "unique to science" EH!). I did try outside the 
country but I was refused an Export Permit because the Geological Survey 
really wanted it. So I was stymied on that attempt. No real private 
takers within Canada, and as space was limited (I was moving at the 
time),  off it finally went to the National Collection. Looking back 
this was a really bad mistake on my part, but far too late to change 
this now. I did have a couple of years to change my mind and get it 
back,  but of course the tax deduction would have gone. Also, as it was 
now in Ottawa ,I would have to go and pick it up (no option on that). 
Locked into this dilemma I gave in to the bureaucrats, and decided to 
start a new collection, which would be smaller in scope. I also wouldn't 
advertise this collection's existence as much. On the other hand, when 
I'm dead, it is deeded , to UVic, which will keep the bureaucrats and 
lawyers squabbling  for years!

Once settled into a new abode, a few years back, I started up the 
present collection (#2) which is slowly building, but it won't have some 
of the really fabulous specimens the original had. A couple of my old 
dealers, I bought from previously, were kind enough to donate material 
to get me started again . I was also very surprised on the prices, of 
even the most common specimens that were contained within the previous 
collection.  So my retirement "mad money" doesn't go as far now.  Also, 
if I were younger, like most of you guys and gals, I would be out 
hunting for meteorites in the prairies. But long distance driving, for me,
these days is a medical no-no. I do keep  an open eye for possible 
meteorites around Victoria when walking the dog in parks etc.

Bit of a ramble I know, but I collect for the pleasure and for the 
science (somewhat). So I guess, as Ed suggested, I am really, really  
nuts! Known Ed for years. Unlike Ed, I'm  more active in observing, 
variable stars,  comets and asteroids, rather than setting up dedicated 
cameras for meteor and fireball observations.

Clears skies and dry deserts!

Chris. Spratt
Victoria, BC