CRYSTALLIZED NATIVE GOLD - THE "COBRA". ...

Description

CRYSTALLIZED NATIVE GOLD - THE "COBRA"
Mockingbird Mine, Mariposa County, California
For reasons best left to psychiatrists; exceptional examples of anything tend to acquire zoomorphic 'nicknames'. Fine Gold specimens are not exempt from this process. When viewed from a certain perspective, this exquisite mass of native gold crystals suggests a similarity to a looming, hooded serpent; a Hooded Cobra to be exact. Unlike a Hooded Cobra, however, this gilded serpent is uniquely rare. Total World production of comparable examples, over the last twenty years or so, can be counted on both hands; at most. The finest of these recent Gold specimens all have come from a single vein that is exposed in the workings of two small mines: The Mockingbird Mine - source of this jewel and the Colorado Quartz Mine - source of the 'Dragon'; a similar specimen that was sold several years ago for well over one million dollars and is currently residing in the Houston Museum of Natural History. Both of these mines have been worked, by hand, solely for specimens. The Cobra, like the Dragon before it, is composed of a multitude of shining, razor-edged crystals arranged in a complex three-dimensional lattice rising from a base of pure white, massive quartz. All of the exposed surfaces of the Gold are mirror-bright and in pristine condition. Gold specimen values are determined by: presence or absence of crystals, size and number of crystals, luster and sharpness of crystals, presence of original matrix and the overall esthetics of the specimen. By any and all of these criteria the Cobra is one of those rare, one of a kind art works destined to take its place among the few other World-Class Gold specimens known. It has a custom labeled acrylic bases and measures 5 ½ x 2 ½ x 1 ¼ inches.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.