KRB-30
Galena (Gonderbach twinned) - found 1871
Gonderbach Mine, Fischelbach, Bad Laasphe, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Small Cabinet, 7.8 x 4.1 x 1.1 cm
Ex. Clarence Bement; American Museum of Natural History; Kay Robertson
SOLD
Found in 1871, this flattened Galena cube with octahedral modifications and twinning is a fascinating specimen. The metallic luster is very good, but the highly unusual habit, as well as the outstanding provenance, take the piece to a whole new level. It is superb, unusual, and historical. Ex. Bement and American Museum. The museum copies of original archival information show that he bought this from a European dealer and the payment appears to have been in Dutch florins at the time. Number 872 in his collection, this dates to the late 1800s, shortly after the piece would have been found. Bement assembled one of the preeminent collections of all time, specializing in German specimens as a sub-focus. This clearly was a significant specimen for the unique habit, in a suite of galena specimens. I have not seen another of this twin habit, for sale, of any quality.