Silver (RARE crystallized specimen for the locality) (ex Colin Manlove Collection)

Item Description

The historic Himmelsfürst Mine is one of the premier old classic silver-producing localities in the world. The finest wire silver specimens from this mine are in the top ranks for the species, and are quite comparable to superb wire specimens from Kongsberg, Norway or various localities in Bolivia, Peru or Mexico. It's notably RARE to find CRYSTALLIZED silver specimens from this mine, and this piece is certainly an impressive and fine quality example of non-wire silver from this renowned locale. The piece is a sold group of silver featuring an almost arborescent group comprising dozens of individual crystals(!) of silver, with no matrix. I love the two-tone patina on the piece, creating a wonderful contrast of lighter and darker metallic hues. One side of the specimen has been sawn, but I see it as a wonderful opportunity to glimpse inside of the piece, showing an almost "coral"-esque formation. It's a hefty specimen for the size, weighing in at just over 300 grams (10.5 ounces). No damage that I can find anywhere (outside of the saw mark obviously), and it displays beautifully as you can see. If you collect silvers, native elements, European classics, or if you just appreciate fine locality specimens that are "different" than what is typically found at said locality, do not miss out on this attractive, classic and rarely seen style from this celebrated mine in Saxony. Priced in the inventory at $6,500. From the collection of Colin Manlove.