Arriving at the Inn Suites Courtyard
Meteorites were for sale right up the stairs behind the big tree which was full of fresh oranges - about ten different rooms at this hotel had meteorites available - the Inn Suites was the highest concentration of dealers
Date: 01/01/2000
Meteorites were for sale right up the stairs behind the big tree which was full of fresh oranges - about ten different rooms at this hotel had meteorites available - the Inn Suites was the highest concentration of dealers
Inn Suites Room 230
This is the room that Anne Black and Geoffrey Notkin have each year at the show - a great selection of meteorites as well as a good social meeting point for collectors
Date: 01/01/2000
This is the room that Anne Black and Geoffrey Notkin have each year at the show - a great selection of meteorites as well as a good social meeting point for collectors
Russ Finney and Anne Black
This was my first stop on the hotel room-to-room meteorite tour and I finally got to meet Anne - she has an incredible French accent - her well organized meteorite selections were pretty fantastic as well
Date: 02/08/2010
This was my first stop on the hotel room-to-room meteorite tour and I finally got to meet Anne - she has an incredible French accent - her well organized meteorite selections were pretty fantastic as well
Zag and Travis County (b)
My first purchase - these slices were big and colorful with inclusions! - PLEASE note: The photos throughout this album were taken quickly with no processing - to see the higher quality versions - take a look in my categorized albums
Date: 01/01/2000
My first purchase - these slices were big and colorful with inclusions! - PLEASE note: The photos throughout this album were taken quickly with no processing - to see the higher quality versions - take a look in my categorized albums
Texas Bediasite and Moorabie
Two more purchases from Anne - a Texas impactite that is new for my collection - and a nice Australian meteorite specimen which fills a hole in my collection
Date: 01/01/2000
Two more purchases from Anne - a Texas impactite that is new for my collection - and a nice Australian meteorite specimen which fills a hole in my collection
Palo Verde Mine and Bendegó
I picked up these two new ones from Anne as well - the colorful thin sliced Palo Verde Mine is an Arizona meteorite and Bendegó is a historical meteorite found in 1816 in Brazil - you can see the main mass in Rio
Date: 01/01/2000
I picked up these two new ones from Anne as well - the colorful thin sliced Palo Verde Mine is an Arizona meteorite and Bendegó is a historical meteorite found in 1816 in Brazil - you can see the main mass in Rio
Erich Haiderer
I made the drive over to the Riverpark Inn to see Erich and his amazing selection of Lunar and Martian meteorites - he had some eye popping slices and individuals which were way out of my budget - but I did find a few in my price range
Date: 01/01/2000
I made the drive over to the Riverpark Inn to see Erich and his amazing selection of Lunar and Martian meteorites - he had some eye popping slices and individuals which were way out of my budget - but I did find a few in my price range
Russ Finney and Erich Haiderer
I had a two hour parking limit for the hotel and I spent every minute of it in Erich's room - he was busy with many visitors but he managed to keep a conversation running with me the entire time - he is a great guy to do business with
Date: 02/08/2010
I had a two hour parking limit for the hotel and I spent every minute of it in Erich's room - he was busy with many visitors but he managed to keep a conversation running with me the entire time - he is a great guy to do business with
Lunars and Martians!
Erich filled some big holes in my collection! NEA 003, DaG 262 (the smallest spec in the photo - remember this for later), Dhofar 378, Dhofar 489, Dhofar 490, NWA 2700, and JaH 479 - Thanks so much Erich!
Date: 01/01/2000
Erich filled some big holes in my collection! NEA 003, DaG 262 (the smallest spec in the photo - remember this for later), Dhofar 378, Dhofar 489, Dhofar 490, NWA 2700, and JaH 479 - Thanks so much Erich!
Eduardo Jawerbaum of Southern Minerals & Meteorites
Eduardo - on the left - is another really great dealer and I made my way over to the Executive Inn to visit his room - as I was walking in Maria Haas was walking out and she took this picture of Eduardo, me, and his meteorite hunter friend
Date: 02/08/2010
Eduardo - on the left - is another really great dealer and I made my way over to the Executive Inn to visit his room - as I was walking in Maria Haas was walking out and she took this picture of Eduardo, me, and his meteorite hunter friend
Mercedes, Esquel, and Kem Kem
Eduardo sold me some really cool items - the Mercedes was found by the other guy in the photo with me - the Esquel was sliced by Robert Haag, and the cut-in-half Kem Kem came from the Casper collection and it is stone #11
Date: 01/01/2000
Eduardo sold me some really cool items - the Mercedes was found by the other guy in the photo with me - the Esquel was sliced by Robert Haag, and the cut-in-half Kem Kem came from the Casper collection and it is stone #11
Blaine Reed
Blaine has been one of the longest full-time active dealers in the business - I bought my first meteorite from him over ten years ago - his brother is sitting behind him and they both are walking encyclopedias of meteorite information
Date: 02/08/2010
Blaine has been one of the longest full-time active dealers in the business - I bought my first meteorite from him over ten years ago - his brother is sitting behind him and they both are walking encyclopedias of meteorite information
Typical Scene in Blaine's Room
Blaine's Room was at the Ramada and what you see here is pretty much what it looks like the entire show - the big iron meteorite on the bed was being sold by Mike Martinez - it weighed over 106 pounds
Date: 02/08/2010
Blaine's Room was at the Ramada and what you see here is pretty much what it looks like the entire show - the big iron meteorite on the bed was being sold by Mike Martinez - it weighed over 106 pounds
NWA 2724 and NWA 736
Two great new items for me from Blaine - NWA 2424 - an eucrite that reminds me a little bit of Millbillillie - and NWA 736 - a chondrule filled H3.7
Date: 02/09/2010
Two great new items for me from Blaine - NWA 2424 - an eucrite that reminds me a little bit of Millbillillie - and NWA 736 - a chondrule filled H3.7
Santa Fe Shatter Cones
I bought several items from Santa Fe, New Mexico on this trip - Blaine sold me these shatter cone specimens from a newly discovered crater northwest of Santa Fe
Date: 01/01/2000
I bought several items from Santa Fe, New Mexico on this trip - Blaine sold me these shatter cone specimens from a newly discovered crater northwest of Santa Fe
Ruben Garcia and Greg Hupé
I went to the other side of the Ramada and found Ruben and Greg in Said Haddany's room looking at some of the fresh meteorite discoveries from Morocco - either that or they were really just drinking a couple of beers
Date: 02/08/2010
I went to the other side of the Ramada and found Ruben and Greg in Said Haddany's room looking at some of the fresh meteorite discoveries from Morocco - either that or they were really just drinking a couple of beers
Said Haddany
Said had some really interesting stones which appeared to be potential rare meteorite types - I ended up puchasing about four kilos of unclassified NWA material during my time at the show from the various Moroccan dealers
Date: 02/08/2010
Said had some really interesting stones which appeared to be potential rare meteorite types - I ended up puchasing about four kilos of unclassified NWA material during my time at the show from the various Moroccan dealers
Said Haddany and Ruben Garcia
Ruben holds up a dark black crusted meteorite - how much does that one cost? - I need to bring more money next year...
Date: 02/08/2010
Ruben holds up a dark black crusted meteorite - how much does that one cost? - I need to bring more money next year...
NWA Unclassifieds
During the event I visited the rooms of the various dealers from Morocco - I ended up buying about four kilograms total of unclassified NWAs - I took a few pictures of some sample items I cherry picked from boxes and tables
Date: 01/01/2000
During the event I visited the rooms of the various dealers from Morocco - I ended up buying about four kilograms total of unclassified NWAs - I took a few pictures of some sample items I cherry picked from boxes and tables
NWA Unclassifieds
I mainly chose stones based on crust characteristics, the level of magnetism, and the potential for a rare find
Date: 02/09/2010
I mainly chose stones based on crust characteristics, the level of magnetism, and the potential for a rare find
NWA Unclassifieds
Other stones I chose just because they were oriented or fully crusted - these pictures represent about half of what I came home with - but they give a good idea of what was available for really reasonable prices!
Date: 02/09/2010
Other stones I chose just because they were oriented or fully crusted - these pictures represent about half of what I came home with - but they give a good idea of what was available for really reasonable prices!
Dana Jenkerson and Bob Verish
Back at the Inn Suites the Jenkersons were set-up with great displays of slices from some of their recent finds - I snapped a picture of Dana with Bob Verish - the finder of the two Los Angeles meteorite stones (basaltic shergottites)
Date: 02/08/2010
Back at the Inn Suites the Jenkersons were set-up with great displays of slices from some of their recent finds - I snapped a picture of Dana with Bob Verish - the finder of the two Los Angeles meteorite stones (basaltic shergottites)
Bob Verish, Paul Harris, Jim Tobin, and Keith Jenkerson
Paul and Jim have been publishing Meteorite-Times Magazine and working on various meteorite websites since 1996
Date: 02/08/2010
Paul and Jim have been publishing Meteorite-Times Magazine and working on various meteorite websites since 1996
Brenham
Dana and Keith sold me this nice, thick slice of Breham! It has some great colors when held up to a light - lime greens, orange, and reds - now if I can just keep it from rusting!
Date: 02/10/2010
Dana and Keith sold me this nice, thick slice of Breham! It has some great colors when held up to a light - lime greens, orange, and reds - now if I can just keep it from rusting!
Mike Farmer's Room
Mike Farmer - on the right - has a look of serious questioning during a discussion in his shared room at the Inn Suites
Date: 02/08/2010
Mike Farmer - on the right - has a look of serious questioning during a discussion in his shared room at the Inn Suites
Jim Strope Listens
Jim Strope - on the left - joins into the discussion - or maybe he is just listening - either way the conversation probably involves a big money transaction for an amazing specimen out of either Jim or Mike's case
Date: 02/08/2010
Jim Strope - on the left - joins into the discussion - or maybe he is just listening - either way the conversation probably involves a big money transaction for an amazing specimen out of either Jim or Mike's case
Moritz Karl
Moritz and his father - seated in the chair - shared the room with Mike Farmer - Moritz had a dazzling assortment of slices available for puchase - many were about the same price as a large TV, or a motorcycle, or even a car!
Date: 02/08/2010
Moritz and his father - seated in the chair - shared the room with Mike Farmer - Moritz had a dazzling assortment of slices available for puchase - many were about the same price as a large TV, or a motorcycle, or even a car!
Moritz Karl's Display Case
Wow, wow, wow - a heart stopping case of pure meteorite beauty - a big number of hyper-rare sized pieces prepared at a world class level - better than you can find in most museums - I need to win a lottery to afford anything
Date: 01/01/2000
Wow, wow, wow - a heart stopping case of pure meteorite beauty - a big number of hyper-rare sized pieces prepared at a world class level - better than you can find in most museums - I need to win a lottery to afford anything
Fukang, Glorieta Mountain, and Ogi
I did walk out of the room with a few items - a bigger piece of Fukang for my collection - another item from Santa Fe, New Mexico: a really nice slice of Glorieta - and a HYPER-RARE fragment of Ogi from Kyushu Island in Japan!
Date: 02/10/2010
I did walk out of the room with a few items - a bigger piece of Fukang for my collection - another item from Santa Fe, New Mexico: a really nice slice of Glorieta - and a HYPER-RARE fragment of Ogi from Kyushu Island in Japan!
Meteorite Fire Dancer
She kicked off "THE ELEVENTH ANNUAL METEOR MAYHEM BIRTHDAY BASH and HARVEY AWARDS" by dancing around with burning sticks - it made perfect sense to me...
Date: 01/01/2000
She kicked off "THE ELEVENTH ANNUAL METEOR MAYHEM BIRTHDAY BASH and HARVEY AWARDS" by dancing around with burning sticks - it made perfect sense to me...
Jack Schrader, Robert Matson, and Dave Gheesling
Tres Amigos looking like Meteorite Men and tipping back some pints at the Birthday Bash - their pockets were probably stuffed full of stones
Date: 02/08/2010
Tres Amigos looking like Meteorite Men and tipping back some pints at the Birthday Bash - their pockets were probably stuffed full of stones
SKY BAR
A look up towards the front door as folks were piling in for the event - it's a who's who crowd of meteorite people - can you find yourself?
Date: 01/01/2000
A look up towards the front door as folks were piling in for the event - it's a who's who crowd of meteorite people - can you find yourself?
Steve Arnold, Mike Bandli, and Rob Wesel
Obviously Steve is explaining the basics of preparing the perfect Margaretta - critical hunter information which will be featured in the fifth season of "Meteorite Men" - Mike and Rob listen hard to memorize the drink recipe's location
Date: 02/08/2010
Obviously Steve is explaining the basics of preparing the perfect Margaretta - critical hunter information which will be featured in the fifth season of "Meteorite Men" - Mike and Rob listen hard to memorize the drink recipe's location
The Reed Brothers
They posed for this picture with their bottles of Ale - these guys could easily be on TV making beer commercials instead of selling meteorites
Date: 02/08/2010
They posed for this picture with their bottles of Ale - these guys could easily be on TV making beer commercials instead of selling meteorites
Robert Haag, Gary Fujihara, and Ruben Garcia
It looks like Ruben is explaining to Robert the basics of meteorite identification while Gary hums a little hula music - behind them you can see Chicago Steve Arnold is too tall for the door frame - it could be an interesting night!
Date: 02/08/2010
It looks like Ruben is explaining to Robert the basics of meteorite identification while Gary hums a little hula music - behind them you can see Chicago Steve Arnold is too tall for the door frame - it could be an interesting night!
Geoffrey Notkin and Christopher Cokinos
The "Meteorite Men" production crew filmed interviews with Geoffrey and Steve throughout the night - it was just like you see on the E! channel party specials - could a spin-off be in the works?
Date: 02/08/2010
The "Meteorite Men" production crew filmed interviews with Geoffrey and Steve throughout the night - it was just like you see on the E! channel party specials - could a spin-off be in the works?
SKY BAR - Take Two
Another chance to find youself! - this time looking towards the back of the room - I wonder who waters the plants?
Date: 02/08/2010
Another chance to find youself! - this time looking towards the back of the room - I wonder who waters the plants?
Mike Miller
Mike came in for the event as well as most of the other major meteorite dealers and hunters who live in Arizona - I have quite a few well prepared pallasite and iron slices from Mike - it was great to finally meet him in person
Date: 02/08/2010
Mike came in for the event as well as most of the other major meteorite dealers and hunters who live in Arizona - I have quite a few well prepared pallasite and iron slices from Mike - it was great to finally meet him in person
Robert Ward
Robert is on the left and he is a certified fireball chaser - if a meteorite fall occurs just about anywhere in the world - Robert will probably try to get to the site - this was my first chance to meet him as well
Date: 02/09/2010
Robert is on the left and he is a certified fireball chaser - if a meteorite fall occurs just about anywhere in the world - Robert will probably try to get to the site - this was my first chance to meet him as well
Robert Haag and Russ Finney
Robert is probably the most famous of the contemporary meteorite hunter collectors - he has pretty much achieved "living legend" status in the meteorite community - I finally met him in person - a great, down-to-earth guy
Date: 02/09/2010
Robert is probably the most famous of the contemporary meteorite hunter collectors - he has pretty much achieved "living legend" status in the meteorite community - I finally met him in person - a great, down-to-earth guy
"Meteorite Men" Birthday Cake
OK - after smoozing with all the famous meteorite people it was time to get down to some serious business - cake eating - but we first had to wait while Geoff interviewed the baker, the delivery person, the candle lighter, etc.
Date: 02/09/2010
OK - after smoozing with all the famous meteorite people it was time to get down to some serious business - cake eating - but we first had to wait while Geoff interviewed the baker, the delivery person, the candle lighter, etc.
Ready to Blow?
After five minutes of deep breathing exercises Steve and Geoff are really to blow out the candles - for safety reasons medical pesonnel are standing by right behind the cameras - no stunt doubles were allowed for this part!
Date: 01/01/2000
After five minutes of deep breathing exercises Steve and Geoff are really to blow out the candles - for safety reasons medical pesonnel are standing by right behind the cameras - no stunt doubles were allowed for this part!
Geoffrey Notkin
Geoffrey starts the Birthday Bash celebration by showing a special "Meteorite Men" video created by the production team - it pretty much blew us all away - but what else would you expect from a room full of meteorite nerds?
Date: 02/09/2010
Geoffrey starts the Birthday Bash celebration by showing a special "Meteorite Men" video created by the production team - it pretty much blew us all away - but what else would you expect from a room full of meteorite nerds?
Geoffrey and Steve
At the end of the video we saw old pictures of Steve as a past all-American footballer and Geoff as a past long-haired punk rocker - scientists are still trying to determine why they are now teamed up looking for space rocks
Date: 02/09/2010
At the end of the video we saw old pictures of Steve as a past all-American footballer and Geoff as a past long-haired punk rocker - scientists are still trying to determine why they are now teamed up looking for space rocks
Steve Arnold & Steve Arnold
In a moment of real class - Steve Arnold of Meteorite Men presented Steve Arnold of Chicago with a "Steve Arnold of Chicago Meteorite Men" poster - a really cool thing to do - look closely at the picture to see the poster held by Steve
Date: 02/09/2010
In a moment of real class - Steve Arnold of Meteorite Men presented Steve Arnold of Chicago with a "Steve Arnold of Chicago Meteorite Men" poster - a really cool thing to do - look closely at the picture to see the poster held by Steve
Back to Geoffrey
Geoffrey at the microphone being Geoffrey - when he is not out finding little black rocks he could probably find a little side work in the future by taking over Simon's place on "American Idol"
Date: 02/09/2010
Geoffrey at the microphone being Geoffrey - when he is not out finding little black rocks he could probably find a little side work in the future by taking over Simon's place on "American Idol"
Harvey Award - Robert Ward
Robert shakes hands with Steve Arnold after the announcement of his Harvey Award - he has been on many important hunts over the last few years and he has also been a buyer of many meteorite artifacts
Date: 02/09/2010
Robert shakes hands with Steve Arnold after the announcement of his Harvey Award - he has been on many important hunts over the last few years and he has also been a buyer of many meteorite artifacts
Robert Ward
Robert makes his acceptance speech - he is holding his award which was a cool little base with a meteorite on top!
Date: 02/09/2010
Robert makes his acceptance speech - he is holding his award which was a cool little base with a meteorite on top!
Harvey Award - Jim Strope
Jim Strope of "CatchaFallingStar.com" receives his Harvey Award - he has been a behind the scenes player in meteorite hunting and collecting for many years!
Date: 02/09/2010
Jim Strope of "CatchaFallingStar.com" receives his Harvey Award - he has been a behind the scenes player in meteorite hunting and collecting for many years!
"Meteorite Men" Alpha Field Map
Steve Arnold finally shows everyone the map of the secret Alpha Location strewnfield - unfortunately the picture was a little too dark too see or photograph from my seat - hmmmm...
Date: 02/09/2010
Steve Arnold finally shows everyone the map of the secret Alpha Location strewnfield - unfortunately the picture was a little too dark too see or photograph from my seat - hmmmm...
"Meteorite Men" Alpha Field Photos
The second card was a photo of the actual Alpha Site strewnfield while they were searching it at night - they reported an encounter with a rattlesnake - this one was also to dark to see or photograph - a little bit suspect!
Date: 02/09/2010
The second card was a photo of the actual Alpha Site strewnfield while they were searching it at night - they reported an encounter with a rattlesnake - this one was also to dark to see or photograph - a little bit suspect!
SKY BAR - Take Three
Another chance to find yourself in the crowd!
Date: 01/01/2000
Another chance to find yourself in the crowd!
Harvey Award - Jack Schrader
Jack was able to triangulate and find the Whetstone Mountains meteorite - a great achievement and one of the reasons for his Harvey Award
Date: 02/09/2010
Jack was able to triangulate and find the Whetstone Mountains meteorite - a great achievement and one of the reasons for his Harvey Award
Back to Geoffrey ... Again
This time Geoffrey is using two microphones - both his and Steve's - I think he was talking about Steve's wife Qynne Arnold - known as Mrs. Meteorite Hunter - she also won a Harvey Award!
Date: 02/09/2010
This time Geoffrey is using two microphones - both his and Steve's - I think he was talking about Steve's wife Qynne Arnold - known as Mrs. Meteorite Hunter - she also won a Harvey Award!
Harvey Award - Dr. Svend Buhl
Svend has been a prolific meteorite hunter over the last decade - he received a Harvey Award for recognition of all his achievements in the meteorite field
Date: 02/09/2010
Svend has been a prolific meteorite hunter over the last decade - he received a Harvey Award for recognition of all his achievements in the meteorite field
Dr. Svend Buhl
His website - niger-meteorite-recon.de - is an incredible learning resource as well as a great place to see his fantastic collection!
Date: 02/09/2010
His website - niger-meteorite-recon.de - is an incredible learning resource as well as a great place to see his fantastic collection!
Lawrence of Arabia
As Geoff pointed out when giving Svend his award - this is the absolute best photograph ever taken of a meteorite hunter in the field - look at his head scarf blowing back in the desert wind - a modern day Lawrence of Arabia!
Date: 02/09/2010
As Geoff pointed out when giving Svend his award - this is the absolute best photograph ever taken of a meteorite hunter in the field - look at his head scarf blowing back in the desert wind - a modern day Lawrence of Arabia!
Harvey Award - Hopper the Dog
Ruben Garcia accepts a Harvey Award for Hopper the Dog who found one of the first meteorites right after the Ash Creek meteorite fall and brought it to the front porch of its owner's home - Ruben adopted the dog!
Date: 02/09/2010
Ruben Garcia accepts a Harvey Award for Hopper the Dog who found one of the first meteorites right after the Ash Creek meteorite fall and brought it to the front porch of its owner's home - Ruben adopted the dog!
Tight Security
Professional Security Guard Mike Jensen stands behind Geoff to keep all the riff-raff in the audience away from our newest TV stars
Date: 02/09/2010
Professional Security Guard Mike Jensen stands behind Geoff to keep all the riff-raff in the audience away from our newest TV stars
Watching out for Groupies
Professional Security Guard Bill Jensen watches carefully as TV star Steve Arnold signs an autograph for "Meteorite Men" groupie Leigh Anne DelRay
Date: 02/09/2010
Professional Security Guard Bill Jensen watches carefully as TV star Steve Arnold signs an autograph for "Meteorite Men" groupie Leigh Anne DelRay
Protecting the Talent
Security Guard Mike Jensen shows his superb protection skills as he holds back groupie Leigh Anne DelRay from getting to close to the Talent
Date: 02/09/2010
Security Guard Mike Jensen shows his superb protection skills as he holds back groupie Leigh Anne DelRay from getting to close to the Talent
Harvey Award - Shauna Russell
The last Harvey Award of the night went to Shauna Russell who has been on her fair share of meteorite hunts recently - she continues to participate in the newest finds all over the world
Date: 02/09/2010
The last Harvey Award of the night went to Shauna Russell who has been on her fair share of meteorite hunts recently - she continues to participate in the newest finds all over the world
Shauna Russell
Shauna is the hunter who had several famous photos published on the web of her pointing to a meteorite in the Ash Creek strewnfield while laying in a pile of cow "business" - who cares? - you go girl!
Date: 02/09/2010
Shauna is the hunter who had several famous photos published on the web of her pointing to a meteorite in the Ash Creek strewnfield while laying in a pile of cow "business" - who cares? - you go girl!
Russ Finney and Christopher Cokinos
A big treat for me was getting to meet Christopher Cokinos the author of "The Fallen Sky" - a remarkable and insightful book about meteorites and the famous people who have chased after them over the last two hundred years!
Date: 02/09/2010
A big treat for me was getting to meet Christopher Cokinos the author of "The Fallen Sky" - a remarkable and insightful book about meteorites and the famous people who have chased after them over the last two hundred years!
Musical Entertainment
To wrap up the Birthday Bash Geoff performed with one of his old band-mates - this is a man of many talents!
Date: 02/09/2010
To wrap up the Birthday Bash Geoff performed with one of his old band-mates - this is a man of many talents!
Christopher Cokinos
The next day I stopped by the Christopher Cokinos book signing back at the Inn Suites - I brought in my copy - and I think that Christopher may have been a little surprised to see it all marked-up and dog-eared from cover to cover
Date: 02/09/2010
The next day I stopped by the Christopher Cokinos book signing back at the Inn Suites - I brought in my copy - and I think that Christopher may have been a little surprised to see it all marked-up and dog-eared from cover to cover
NWA 869 and Libyan Glass
I had some time to kill so I wandered around and bought these two really nice pieces for next to nothing - I guess we can never have enough of these two!
Date: 02/10/2010
I had some time to kill so I wandered around and bought these two really nice pieces for next to nothing - I guess we can never have enough of these two!
Dalgaranga
I was happy to find this one in one of the Australian dealer's rooms - it was a hole in my collection and I had not been able to find it until this show
Date: 01/01/2000
I was happy to find this one in one of the Australian dealer's rooms - it was a hole in my collection and I had not been able to find it until this show
Jack, Steve, Dave, and Steve
They are standing outside Inn Suites Room 230 on Saturday while everyone was inside buying meteorites in full force
Date: 02/09/2010
They are standing outside Inn Suites Room 230 on Saturday while everyone was inside buying meteorites in full force
"Meteorite Men" Production Filming
Geoff sells Darryl Pitt a huge Campo meteorite for an episode of the TV show - we were all a little noisy in the background while watching - apologies to the production team!
Date: 02/09/2010
Geoff sells Darryl Pitt a huge Campo meteorite for an episode of the TV show - we were all a little noisy in the background while watching - apologies to the production team!
Travis County (a) and Dimmitt
I bought these two from Geoffrey Notkin and Aerolite meteorites - they both are from the Monnig Collection in Texas which is a very famous historical collection - and I personally live in Travis County so I like that meteorite!
Date: 02/10/2010
I bought these two from Geoffrey Notkin and Aerolite meteorites - they both are from the Monnig Collection in Texas which is a very famous historical collection - and I personally live in Travis County so I like that meteorite!
Czech Republic Meteorites
A great selection of meteorites could be found in this room that I just stumbled upon by accident - I stayed here for a while until all the activity back at Room 230 slowed down a little bit
Date: 02/09/2010
A great selection of meteorites could be found in this room that I just stumbled upon by accident - I stayed here for a while until all the activity back at Room 230 slowed down a little bit
Tektites and Impactites
I really liked the layout and organization of the offerings in the Czech room - very professionally selected and well priced items
Date: 02/09/2010
I really liked the layout and organization of the offerings in the Czech room - very professionally selected and well priced items
Indochinite Tektites and Dakhla Impactite
I don't purchase many impactites but these specimens were just to good to pass by - the Indochinite is from Guang Dong, China - the Dakhla is from Egypt - these are much better samples than what I currently have in my collection
Date: 01/01/2000
I don't purchase many impactites but these specimens were just to good to pass by - the Indochinite is from Guang Dong, China - the Dakhla is from Egypt - these are much better samples than what I currently have in my collection
Sikhote-Alin
This piece caught my eye and I bought it - what can I say? - I'm a sucker for round, symmetrical regmaglypts - plus this piece just looked cool
Date: 01/01/2000
This piece caught my eye and I bought it - what can I say? - I'm a sucker for round, symmetrical regmaglypts - plus this piece just looked cool
Gujba
One of Moritz Karl's pieces - it was one of my favorites of the show
Date: 01/01/2000
One of Moritz Karl's pieces - it was one of my favorites of the show
Albin
Another one of Moritz Karl's pieces - the entire case was full of slices that were equal in quality - too many to photograph!
Date: 01/01/2000
Another one of Moritz Karl's pieces - the entire case was full of slices that were equal in quality - too many to photograph!
Keith Jenkersen holding Admire
Keith and Dana found a number of Admire pallasite individuals - they were on display in the room and they had some incredible slices available to purchase - also about 100 Buzzard Coulee stones available to order for export
Date: 02/09/2010
Keith and Dana found a number of Admire pallasite individuals - they were on display in the room and they had some incredible slices available to purchase - also about 100 Buzzard Coulee stones available to order for export
Admire
OK, OK - so I bought one - how could I resist? These pieces were beautiful and they appeared to be very well prepared - but only time will tell with this meteorite - it is known as a ruster - I got an individual as well - Thanks Keith!
Date: 02/10/2010
OK, OK - so I bought one - how could I resist? These pieces were beautiful and they appeared to be very well prepared - but only time will tell with this meteorite - it is known as a ruster - I got an individual as well - Thanks Keith!
A Jaw-Dropping Room
This was the room of Meteorite.fr and I didn't spent much time here because as soon as I walked in I knew it was probably hopeless for me and my budget - the case was full of Lunars, Martians, and everything else just as expensive!
Date: 02/09/2010
This was the room of Meteorite.fr and I didn't spent much time here because as soon as I walked in I knew it was probably hopeless for me and my budget - the case was full of Lunars, Martians, and everything else just as expensive!
Bruno Fectay
Bruno was really nice and I also met Carine Bidaut - their offerings were simply some of the best on the planet - I was awestruck by their pieces
Date: 02/09/2010
Bruno was really nice and I also met Carine Bidaut - their offerings were simply some of the best on the planet - I was awestruck by their pieces
Ready to Rumble
Since it was my first experience - I hooked up with legendary Houston, Texas collector Don Edwards for the Michael Blood auction!! - he doesn't really look as excited as I was...
Date: 02/09/2010
Since it was my first experience - I hooked up with legendary Houston, Texas collector Don Edwards for the Michael Blood auction!! - he doesn't really look as excited as I was...
The Competition
These are the guys with the deep pockets - Jason Phillips, Rob Wesel, and Mike Bandli
Date: 02/09/2010
These are the guys with the deep pockets - Jason Phillips, Rob Wesel, and Mike Bandli
Steve and Qynne Arnold
Steve was in the back of the room selling pieces of the "Meteorite Men's" newest finds including individuals of the "Dry Lake Bed" meteorite which will be featured in a new episode
Date: 02/09/2010
Steve was in the back of the room selling pieces of the "Meteorite Men's" newest finds including individuals of the "Dry Lake Bed" meteorite which will be featured in a new episode
Dry Lake Bed
I got a couple of finds from Steve's TV show! - they are still not classified yet - I'll have to watch the "Meteorite Men" episode to actually see them found and to learn the scientific analysis
Date: 01/01/2000
I got a couple of finds from Steve's TV show! - they are still not classified yet - I'll have to watch the "Meteorite Men" episode to actually see them found and to learn the scientific analysis
Michael Farmer
I finally got to meet Mike and his room was always full of activity and people - he had a great selection and a good range of prices - I have LOTS of items in my collection from him --- I just prayed he was not a serious bidder
Date: 02/09/2010
I finally got to meet Mike and his room was always full of activity and people - he had a great selection and a good range of prices - I have LOTS of items in my collection from him --- I just prayed he was not a serious bidder
Blood Auction Bidders
Ooooh $@*%!! - look at all these serious collectors and dealers - I'm never going to be able to buy anything in this auction
Date: 02/09/2010
Ooooh $@*%!! - look at all these serious collectors and dealers - I'm never going to be able to buy anything in this auction
Blood Auction Bidders
On the left side you can see Jason Phillips and Greg Hupé planning their strategy - I'm pretty sure at this point I don't stand a chance of getting anything...
Date: 02/09/2010
On the left side you can see Jason Phillips and Greg Hupé planning their strategy - I'm pretty sure at this point I don't stand a chance of getting anything...
John Humphries and Gary Fujihara
I was strangely relieved to see these two eBay volume dealers at the auction - I thought to myself -- Hey, I buy a lot from these guys on eBay - whatever they might win tonight I'll probably just buy a small piece of next week!
Date: 02/09/2010
I was strangely relieved to see these two eBay volume dealers at the auction - I thought to myself -- Hey, I buy a lot from these guys on eBay - whatever they might win tonight I'll probably just buy a small piece of next week!
Checking the Catalog
It's almost time to start and everyone is studying their handouts - in case you are wondering - yes, that is Maria Haas who is the IMCA treasurer - both Paleo Bond and Ron Hartman's Membrane Boxes donated items to fund the IMCA
Date: 02/09/2010
It's almost time to start and everyone is studying their handouts - in case you are wondering - yes, that is Maria Haas who is the IMCA treasurer - both Paleo Bond and Ron Hartman's Membrane Boxes donated items to fund the IMCA
The Auction Items
Time to take a last look at the various items which are up for sale - this auction is going to take several hours
Date: 02/09/2010
Time to take a last look at the various items which are up for sale - this auction is going to take several hours
More Blood Auction Bidders
By the time the auction started the room was completely full...
Date: 02/09/2010
By the time the auction started the room was completely full...
Michael Blood
Michael took over the podium and started the auction - we each had bidder cards and assigned numbers - I was bidder 33
Date: 02/09/2010
Michael took over the podium and started the auction - we each had bidder cards and assigned numbers - I was bidder 33
Score! - Milly Milly
I won an auction! - it is Milly Milly - another Australian meteorite that I do not have yet - hmmmm - this might not be so bad after all
Date: 01/01/2000
I won an auction! - it is Milly Milly - another Australian meteorite that I do not have yet - hmmmm - this might not be so bad after all
A late Arrival
Geoffrey showed up after the bidding had already started - great - now I'll have to bid against both of the "Meteorite Men" as well as most of the major dealers on the planet
Date: 02/09/2010
Geoffrey showed up after the bidding had already started - great - now I'll have to bid against both of the "Meteorite Men" as well as most of the major dealers on the planet
Do I Hear $1,000 ??
The action started to really heat up and Leigh Anne DelRay was helping to show the items which were up for bid - I was really amazed at how serious and focused this group was for these auctions - I just kinda went with the bidding flow
Date: 02/09/2010
The action started to really heat up and Leigh Anne DelRay was helping to show the items which were up for bid - I was really amazed at how serious and focused this group was for these auctions - I just kinda went with the bidding flow
Double Score! - Long Island and Faucett
I won these two meteorites back-to-back but I was a little suspicious about it - I think the others in the room just let the "newbie bidder" have them - also these meteorites are common on the market - but really Faucett was new for me
Date: 01/01/2000
I won these two meteorites back-to-back but I was a little suspicious about it - I think the others in the room just let the "newbie bidder" have them - also these meteorites are common on the market - but really Faucett was new for me
Count Deiro takes the Gavel
Michael took a break for a while and Count Deiro took over - he surprised us all with his obvious ability as an auctioneer - he had some real experience and he kept things moving
Date: 02/09/2010
Michael took a break for a while and Count Deiro took over - he surprised us all with his obvious ability as an auctioneer - he had some real experience and he kept things moving
Jim Jim
Jim Baxter concentrates on the next item up for grabs - Jim Strope is sitting across from him - Jim Jim
Date: 02/09/2010
Jim Baxter concentrates on the next item up for grabs - Jim Strope is sitting across from him - Jim Jim
Another win! - Queretaro
This time I get something a little more special - another piece from the Monnig Collection - the third of this trip - also another Mexican meteorite I did not have in my collection...
Date: 01/01/2000
This time I get something a little more special - another piece from the Monnig Collection - the third of this trip - also another Mexican meteorite I did not have in my collection...
Right Side Bidders Table
The event is still moving through the list of items - Count Deiro is still up in front working the auction...
Date: 02/09/2010
The event is still moving through the list of items - Count Deiro is still up in front working the auction...
Center Bidders Table
All heads are down as the bidding progresses
Date: 02/09/2010
All heads are down as the bidding progresses
Big win - Upgrade! - DaG 262 Lunar
Remember the little spec of DaG 262 I bought from Erich Haiderer? - I just upgraded it by winning this auction - yes, it is a little fragment - but it is much better than what I had before the trip which was no specimen!
Date: 01/01/2000
Remember the little spec of DaG 262 I bought from Erich Haiderer? - I just upgraded it by winning this auction - yes, it is a little fragment - but it is much better than what I had before the trip which was no specimen!
Left Side Bidders Table
Going once, going twice, going three times, SOLD! Another great item goes into a collection...
Date: 02/09/2010
Going once, going twice, going three times, SOLD! Another great item goes into a collection...
Almost Finished!
We are down to the last few items...
Date: 02/09/2010
We are down to the last few items...
Major Win! - NWA 1068 - Martian
I was actually a little shocked by this one - a 1.202 gram piece of NWA 1068! It is now the largest Martian meteorite I own - wow - that was a fantastic win for me at an amazing price to boot - that was enough, I cashed out quick - whew!
Date: 01/01/2000
I was actually a little shocked by this one - a 1.202 gram piece of NWA 1068! It is now the largest Martian meteorite I own - wow - that was a fantastic win for me at an amazing price to boot - that was enough, I cashed out quick - whew!
Russ Finney, Dr. Arthur Ehlmann, and Rhiannon Mayne
I bought a copy of "The Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Collection Catalog" earlier in the day and both Art and Rhiannon signed the book at the auction - Rhiannon is the new Curator of the Monnig Collection at TCU
Date: 02/09/2010
I bought a copy of "The Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Collection Catalog" earlier in the day and both Art and Rhiannon signed the book at the auction - Rhiannon is the new Curator of the Monnig Collection at TCU
Geoffrey, Russ, and Steve
Once the auction was over I took a quick picture with Geoff and Steve and then hit the road - a great end to a wonderful trip which was worth every minute - THANKS to everyone who helped me to feel at home... see you next year!
Date: 02/09/2010
Once the auction was over I took a quick picture with Geoff and Steve and then hit the road - a great end to a wonderful trip which was worth every minute - THANKS to everyone who helped me to feel at home... see you next year!