SPECIMEN OF NATIVE SILVER
GERMANY
Details
SPECIMEN OF NATIVE SILVER
GERMANY
Wire silver, a crystalline form, is one of the rare and fascinating manifestations of this precious metal. Although wire silver can be found in various locations worldwide, the specimens from the historic Himmelsfurst Mine in Saxony are particularly coveted. These mines, which once funded the rulers of Saxony for centuries, produced some of the most desirable wire silver specimens. Many of the older specimens were melted down for bullion, adding to the rarity of surviving examples. This is a particularly large example and came from the noted collections of musician/composer James Horner and of mathematician Dr. Steve Smale, who obtained it directly from James by trade in 2000, and later exchanged it to the current owner. This large example is of significant size and stature. With a custom lucite base for display.
14.6 cm. high
GERMANY
Wire silver, a crystalline form, is one of the rare and fascinating manifestations of this precious metal. Although wire silver can be found in various locations worldwide, the specimens from the historic Himmelsfurst Mine in Saxony are particularly coveted. These mines, which once funded the rulers of Saxony for centuries, produced some of the most desirable wire silver specimens. Many of the older specimens were melted down for bullion, adding to the rarity of surviving examples. This is a particularly large example and came from the noted collections of musician/composer James Horner and of mathematician Dr. Steve Smale, who obtained it directly from James by trade in 2000, and later exchanged it to the current owner. This large example is of significant size and stature. With a custom lucite base for display.
14.6 cm. high
Provenance
James Horner, circa 1990
Steve Smale, acquired from the above in 2000
Acquired by current owner in 2022
Steve Smale, acquired from the above in 2000
Acquired by current owner in 2022
Brought to you by
James Hyslop
Head of Department, Science & Natural History