[meteorite-list] ANSWER - whole stone concerns

Sun May 8 21:48:15 EDT 2011

OK,
        I think all of you are right. Therefore, you should all send me
Your entire meteorite collections - then I will be stuck with any and
All fakes in your collections.
        Just trying to be helpful, Michael

On 5/8/11 5:17 PM, "Walter Branch" <waltbranch at bellsouth.net> wrote:

> Hello Michael,
> 
> It really is not that easy.  As this example illustrates, even honest
> dealers can be duped.  I purchase meteorites from a very small list of
> dealers.  Very small.  I have done business with some for 15 years; two I
> started buying from this year.  All have earned my complete trust.
> 
> However...
> 
> While I trust these dealer to not intentionally dupe me, how do I know they
> trust their sources and they have done their due diligence in the same way I
> have?
> 
> As an example, I applaud Anne Black for setting the example of providing
> provenance for her meteorites but how am I assured the person who sold a
> given specimen it to Anne did what Anne and I would have done?  BTW, I trust
> Anne.
> 
> I sold some meteorites recently.  I listed the dealers I purchased the
> meteorites from.  I sold one last week that I obtained from Matt Morgan.  I
> told the purchaser I got it from Matt.  Did Matt vett his source, as I have
> done Matt?  I don't know.   Did the person before them?  I don't know.  BTW,
> I trust Matt.
> 
> Remember the, what was it, sandstone dinosaur egg incident?
> 
> As we can see, the chain of custody can become quite complicated.
> 
> I have been concerned for a long time now about this sort of thing
> happening.  The surprising thing to me is that it did not happen sooner.
> 
> This whole incident is really getting to me. I have had it on my mind all
> day.
> 
> -Walter Branch
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Michael Blood" <mlblood at cox.net>
> To: "Richard Montgomery" <rickmont at earthlink.net>; "Meteorite List"
> <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
> Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2011 4:53 PM
> Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] ANSWER - whole stone concerns
> 
> 
>>> How can I be sure that
>>> any whole stone be properly labeled as classified?
>> --
>> Easy,
>>        We have only been saying this on the list since
>> The list began: Buy from a dealer known for honesty
>> And integrity.
>> 
>>        God bless the IMCA and the hard workers of the
>> Board BUT I do not consider an IMCA number to be
>> The equivalent of "honesty and integrity." I know an
>> example where two new dealers applied. One was accepted
>> The other was told to, essentially, get some more experience
>> Under his belt. Well, I knew him personally as a person
>> Of honor. The irony was I also knew the other "dealer" and
>> That individual had attempted to increase price on me
>> AFTER I had sent money for a new fall.  Between the
>> Two, there was no question in my mind in whom I would
>> Have confidence. So, no, I do not consider an   IMCA logo
>> Sufficient in and of itself to "guarantee" authenticity. (I
>> DO consider it sufficient to pursue action if I am defrauded,
>> However)
>> 
>>        Additionally, failing to KNOW people who have long
>> Standing honorable dealings - such as ET, Mike Farmer,
>> Anne Black, Geoff Notkin, etc, etc, etc, then I would take
>> An unknown IMCA member over an entirely unknown
>> entity. In fact, I would not deal with an entirely unknown
>> Entity again - unless I KNEW what I was getting was
>> What I was paying for through other sources than the
>> Seller. (IE I could see by looking at it, it has distinctive
>> Features unique to that fall, the seller bought his stash
>>> From someone I know, etc).
>> 
>>        So, the answer to your question is simple: Buy only
>>> From dealers you know AND TRUST or, at the very least
>> from IMCA members.
>> 
>>        Warm regards, Michael
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On 5/8/11 8:54 AM, "Richard Montgomery" <rickmont at earthlink.net> wrote:
>> 
>>> Hello List.
>>> 
>>> This latest Mifflin business has me very disturbed, and brings up a
>>> question
>>> I've been meaning to ask you all for a while now:  How can I be sure that
>>> any whole stone be properly labeled as classified?
>>> 
>>> Of course there are obvious stones like Camel Donga, (all those that
>>> stand
>>> alone with external character)...but up until now, only my trust in
>>> reputations has allowed me to be comfortable, along with provenance and
>>> labels, chain of custody, etc.   Yet, now I'll hesitate to acquire whole
>>> stones (one of my favorites is to collect wholes and
>>> stand-up-by-themselves
>>> specimens)...without knowing the back-story comes from someone with
>>> honor.
>>> 
>>> I will, however, not hesitate to buy specimens from those of you whole
>>> continue to demonstrate honor.  Reputations are as important as thorough
>>> classifications.
>>> 
>>> This recent incident is exactly what we don't need.  If there is honor
>>> anywhere, it has been demonstrated by the refundings/returns of those
>>> unfortunate to have been affected.  Congrats to those of you who did.
>>> 
>>> Only finding the head of the snake will put this all to rest.  Or, we all
>>> carry microprobes in our backpacks.
>>> 
>>> Richard Montgomery
>>> 
>>> ______________________________________________
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>> 
>> 
>> --
>> "Teachin' a pig to dance is a waste of time and it irritates the pig"
>> Mark Twain
>> --
>> 1. Whenever you're wrong, admit it,
>> 2. Whenever you're right, shut up.
>> Shaquille O'Neal
>> 
>> 
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> 

--
"Teachin' a pig to dance is a waste of time and it irritates the pig"
Mark Twain
--
1. Whenever you're wrong, admit it,
2. Whenever you're right, shut up.
Shaquille O'Neal