[meteorite-list] Newcomers and the Meteorite world

[Adam Hupe]

I find that most collectors do need or want the very best specimens, far too 
expensive. They desire a nice example that represents a certain type with the 
proper study, preparation, ID cards and provenance.  They demand good service 
which they are entitled to.  Very few are able to step up and spend thousands 
during this very poor economy.  Second best would be an excellent acquisition 
and museum quality in most cases.  I have several very small specimens in my 
collection that I am completely happy with that would not even come close to 
being second best or 20th best for that matter. 


If somebody desired one of our collection main masses and could afford it, I am 
sure we would reluctantly part with it. They do very little good sitting in safe 
deposit boxes and have nearly cost us our life savings. We have parted with a 
few main masses after enjoying them for awhile with a couple sitting in 
museums.  We could have made far more by cutting them completely up but our 
desire to preserve ponderable masses has prevented us from doing so.  I make the 
largest pieces available first and then break them down into more affordable 
pieces with time so everybody has a shot at a first class specimen. The main 
masses are set aside after cutting and a few are made available every year.  Our 
collection is dynamic, changing all of the time so the very best specimens do 
come up sometimes.  It would be very limiting if this thin market only demanded 
the very best specimens which very few could afford anyway.

I see no conflict whatsoever with dealers maintaining personal collections. It 
demonstrates a sincere interest in meteorites that goes far beyond the monetary 
aspect of it.   If it were all about money, they would not bother collecting 
them at all and dispose of every piece as quickly as possible.   



Best Regards,

Adam