by Michael Blood of Michael Blood Meteorites

Since the Denver Show, while prices seem to continue to remain level, meteorite sales seem to have again slowed down. It is a curious situation, with people already talking about the Tucson show, as though families were beginning to set up their Christmas ornaments before the Turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving have been eaten.

I have seen a lot of trade proposals and am starting to believe people are again having revived feelings of economic limitation falsely generated immediately following the 9-11 tragedy. I suppose it May be related to the stock market volatility and people feeling their retirement funds have just been reduced, though they will not "lock in" any actual loss unless they sell at a depressed level.

With Dean Bessey overseas, less NWA activity is taking place than usual, as well.

In addition, while eBay represents only a very limited sector of the market, even it seems to be running at lower than average numbers of specimens offered. (eBay is not, generally a decent indicator of the meteorite market for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to the following:

1) not everyone who collects buys on eBay. (It would, in fact, be difficult to estimate what percentage of collectors bid on eBay, though I would find it fascinating to know both the numbers, percentage represented and frequency of bidding. For instance, I occasionally bid on pieces on eBay, yet May go literally months without even giving it a cursory glance. Other times, I May buy several specimens in a one week period. Such irregularity is, I suspect, common among eBay visitors). My guess is that less than one third of the collectors EVER buy on eBay ­ but that is strictly a guess.

2) Only on occasion is the best available material ever offered on eBay. (Yes, occasionally very fine specimens ARE offered, but with the exception of some Sikhote-Alins that show up not infrequently, the best specimens are not usually offered).

3) A myriad of variables are at play which make the actual sale prices on eBay HIGHLY irregular ­ both in the very low and very high ends, with a consistent trend toward lower than normal ­ offset by irregular last second doubling, tripling or even quadrupling of price in the final seconds of bidding. To say the least, it is NOT, in any way, indicative of the market. Perhaps with the exception of how many specimens are up for sale at a given time?

So, low levels of buying, lower levels of NWA being offered, fewer items on eBay, people fretting about their retirement funds, focus on past shows (Denver discussions are STILL going on) and the future Tucson Shows all these things seem to be indicating a real "slow down" in the meteorite market accompanied by prices which seem to be remaining stable (though, certainly still moderate) throughout all this.

All of this indicates a reasonably consistent high level of interest in meteorites is continuing to prevail, despite the other factors I have mentioned. In fact, I have seen more than the usual number of new collectors showing up in recent weeks.

And there we have it - until next month, HAPPY HUNTING!