Canyon Diablo Meteorites (Group of 2). Iron, IAB-MG. Meteor Crater, Coconino County. Arizona, USA - (35° 3'N, 111°... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

Canyon Diablo Meteorites (Group of 2)
Iron, IAB-MG
Meteor Crater, Coconino County
Arizona, USA - (35° 3'N, 111° 2'W)
Found: 1891

This offering consists of two naturally sculptural pieces of the renowned Canyon Diablo Meteorite, but it is the fact that the specimens were collected by the legendary H.H. Nininger during his extensive work at Meteor Crater, making them truly historic examples especially given his hand-painted collection numbers that confirm the provenance. Arguably the father of both modern meteorite science and commerce, the Nininger name represents the first family to have a private meteorite museum. Pioneer Harvey Nininger collected Canyon Diablo Meteorite specimens near the site and founded the Meteoritical Society, but the most important contribution may have been his ingenious numbering system - still recognized today by meteorite collectors and researchers. Typically black numbers painted atop a white rectangle; there is a significance to the numerical nomenclature. The first numbers indicate the variety - in this case, Canyon Diablo, and the numbers that follow represent the sequential position in the cataloging of his collection. These two pieces are "34," indicative of Canyon Diablo, and "350," as well as "589," indicative of an order of identification. The larger example, numbered "34.250," weighs 222 grams, while the smaller offering, numbered "34.589," weighs 78 grams. Both specimens exhibit superb shape, attractive patina, and significant thumbprinting. Not only does this pairing represent two excellent examples of the quintessential American meteorite, but it also represents two extraordinary historical meteorites with provenance that ties the present to the past.
Measurements: 3.50 x 2.30 x 1.33 inches (8.90 x 5.83 x 3.38 cm) - largest piece, total weight 299.4 grams

Provenance: Ex. H.H. Nininger Collection NIN #34.350 & NIN #34.589, The Geoff Notkin Collection



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