[meteorite-list] ALH 84001

[Walter Branch]

oops, forgot to change the subject line.

mea culpa

-Walter

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Walter Branch" <waltbranch at bellsouth.net>
To: <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2011 11:46 PM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] ALH 84001


> Hello New Collectors ( and everyone else too!),
>
> I have been collecting meteorites since soon after NASA made the 
> announcement in August, 1996 of ALH 84001.  Some on the list have been 
> collecting more than I, some less. I would like to share with those new to 
> the collecting field how I go about valuing a given meteorite.  It is not 
> a perfect procedure, but it has served me well.
>
> I come from a background in statistics.  I am particularly fond of 
> multivariate analysis and used to be pretty good at it.  ANOVA, MANOVA, 
> etc.
>
> Whisper orthogonal vs. oblique rotation in my ear and I get shivers. 
> Brrrrr.
>
> However, you get away from academia/scholarly pursuits for 20 years and 
> you get a little rusty :-)
>
> Anyway...
>
> In deciding whether or not to purchase a meteorite, I first decide what 
> the meteorite is worth TO ME.  A valuation.  When I value a meteorite, I 
> borrow heavily from the statistical procedures discriminant function 
> analysis and multiple regression analysis.  In non-stat terms, you take a 
> set of variables (we will call them independent variables) and use them to 
> either predict or classify another variable (dependent variable).  The 
> dependent variable is my final price-purchase/no purchase decision.
>
> Asking price is a variable - one variable.  Other variables include size, 
> characteristics, (slice vs. endcut, vs. whole specimen, etc.), 
> historical/cultural/scientific significance, perceived rarity (though this 
> variable is taking on less-and-less importance to me), what a piece has 
> sold for in the past, etc.
>
> There are also some intangible variables such as perceived honesty and 
> importance of the seller and whether or not I know and like the seller. 
> Provenance also (but not much).
>
> Now, I do not perform a formal statistical analysis on a piece.  I do this 
> informally.  I weight each variable then decide what a piece is worth to 
> me.
>
> I arbitrarily set the valuation of ordinary chondrites and irons at 
> $1.00/gram, then mentally add and subtract according to the weight of each 
> variable.  Lunar and martian meteorites (what I am most interested in) are 
> assigned an arbitrary value of $600.00/gram before I start adding and 
> subtracting.
>
> The whole procedure takes seconds.  Informally, in my head. It sounds a 
> bit cumbersome and tedious but it really isn't.
>
> You new guys and gals have to decide what works for you.
>
> Don't get emotionally caught up in a bidding war (on ebay) and don't be 
> afraid to ask the dealer or seller if they will accept a lower than asking 
> price.  You should approach the seller with an idea of what the meteorite 
> is worth TO YOU before you make a bid or an offer to purchase.
>
> Anyway, just thought I share.
>
> Happy collecting,
>
> -Walter Branch
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