Superb, incredibly aesthetic, example from this most treasured of old European classic Silver locales. This piece has a beautiful dark patina caused by a micro layer of acanthite coating, and an exquisite complexity to the rope as it twists and turns like a living thing. The piece is very sturdy despite its elegant look, and this is a solid piece that is not flexible or "bendy" like some German silvers of this size. Long one of the premier silvers in the Meieran collection, and one of the half dozen best he had acquired through buying and trading over the last 50 years of trying to assemble one of the best suites of native elements. I feel that the price here is a downright bargain, all things considered; as well as compared to numerous pieces I have seen for sale in the same price range in only the last year that simply do not blow me away as this one does (heck, I have seen a dozen so-called six-figure silvers at Springfield Show alone, and they couldn't touch this with a ten foot pole for impact!). Because of the size and quality of this specimen, I was happy to have the privilege of trading this from Gene only recently. Gene told me the following as well: The one you got was originally from Wayne Thompson to Evan Jones then to me, if I remember. Exchanged for ALL my Mexican and Arizona minerals. I got it at least 12 years ago, it was in at least one of my winning Desautels-cases.