by Michael Blood of Michael Blood Meteorites

The 2003 Tucson Show

Well, this month the biggest news is the approaching Tucson Gem & Mineral Show. There are going to be a few new twists in addition to a few entirely new things on the Meteorite Market front at the show this year, so, I thought y'all might enjoy hearing about them:

For the first year ever, Mike Farmer will have a room ­ in fact, for that matter, so will Eric Olson, as they are teeming up in room 316 of Inn Suites ­ the room occupied
over the last several years by the Labennes. Jim Strope will be displaying a few select pieces in this room, as well, so, this will continue to be a room well worth checking out.

Additionally, this year's "People's Auction" is kicking it up a notch, as Emeril Agasi would say. Many higher quality specimens have already been placed on consignment and are being "uploaded" at this very time. Those already "up" can be seen at http://www.michaelbloodmeteorites.com/Tucson%20Auction.html

In addition, most of the select specimens for the auction on display from Wed, Feb. 5 through Sat, Feb. 8 in the same above mentioned room ­ 316 Inn Suites ­ and, yes, people can still bring in pieces the day of the auction on site at the Jr. Chamber of Commerce Bldg. at 1115 E. Fort Lowell (see directions and other details at above site). We always get several excellent pieces at that time, as well.

In spite of a distinct increase in the number of quality specimens consigned, the auction will continue its "Wild West" atmosphere, informal social mixing, and overall devil-May-care jocularity. Not to worry.

One stop that should not be missed at this show is the Westward Look Resort at 245 E. Ina Rd. (1/2 mi E. of Oracle). This is a show for eccentric and wealthy collectors that will take place only for a few days from Feb 7 through 11. While most items will be the largest and most outrageous of the mineral specimens at the show ­ and while most of us won't be able to afford ANYTHING offered, there will be a couple of sites meteorite aficionados will NOT want to miss.

The Hupe Planetary Collection of main masses will be on display, and they will be teamed up with Allan Lang, who will be offering "The best Canyon Diablo specimens from the Nininger Collection ever assembled" as well as some of his most impressive historic witnessed falls. With Allan's historic collection and the Hupes' Planetary Collection we have a real "Old Meets New" combination going on.

As if that weren't enough, Bob Haag (who rarely has a room at the show anymore) will bring who knows what ­ but it is well known that he possesses some of the most important specimens ever gathered. He tells me the items offered will include a 4.8 kg whole stone of Allende, a 9 kg Imilac, a large coffee table sized whole slice of Esquel and, I kid you not, his "Whale Brain" Mundrabilla ­ which I have always considered the most visually striking specimen in his most impressive personal collection. For my money, this specimen is second only to the Willamet Iron in terms of stunning visual impact. For those of you who have not seen it, this specimen, alone, is worth the visit. Bob's prized Zagami stone and Calcalong Creek will be displayed, as well. See Bob & Heidi in Rm 238.

The Hupes, Adam and Greg, will be displaying the main masses of the Lunars NWA 482 and 032 as well as 998 Nakhlite and 1195 Shergottite. In addition to these main masses of planetary specimens, they will also offer their Olivine rich Diogenite, NWA 1459 ("The World's Rarest Meteorite Classification"), NWA 1242 Howardite and NWA 1222 (EL5) main masses. They will be offering a few other "surprises," as well. See Adam, Greg & Allan in Rm 243.

Just seeing these main masses and other mind boggling specimens will be a rare and exciting opportunity not to be missed. By the way, for those who might not be able to afford a main mass of ultra rare material, many smaller sized specimens of the entire Hupe Planetary Collection will be available at my auction Sat evening the 8th of Feb. They will include sizes from a hand full of milligrams to full slices - and many are being offered with no minimum or reserve.

"Regular" venues include The Macovich Auction on Sun. Feb 10 at 10AM Inn Suites, Poolside. Darryl Pitt always comes up with some of the most striking specimens on earth. To view items in Darryl Pitt's auction go to: http://www.macovich.com/

More to come next month on all the other "regular" Tucson venues not to be missed.  Until then

HAPPY HUNTING! - Michael