EX24-20
Silver on Acanthite with Calcite
Imiter Mine,Tinghir Cercle, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
Cabinet, 9.6 x 8.2 x 4.7 cm
Ex. Gabriel Risse; Paul Stahl
$22,500.00 Payment Plan Available
Order Now
Silver localities for fine, large wires had been widely known and collected for hundreds of years, with little new in the way of surprises. At some point around 2000 or so, the Imiter mine started yielding impressive specimens on a scale and quantity not seen before from this mine, or from Morocco at all beyond a few isolated previous pockets and specimens. This large display specimen is a rare matrix example showing a gorgeous, organic looking spray of silver wires erupting from acanthite crystals, and accented by small calcite crystals as well. It was purchased in Morocco by Paul Stahl on his travels there as an agent to acquire acanthite for Erika Pohl at the time, and kept in his collection until sold (it was too big for his general tastes!) to collector Gabriel Risse, from whom we obtained it. This specimen is dramatic and complete 360 degrees, with the combination of 3 species making it highly unusual. We have seen hundreds of silvers, thousands of acanthites back in the day (now nearly 20 years ago), but few matrix pieces like this. In the future, these will be classics, just like the old German and Norwegian silvers before them. What makes this specimen so special, however, is that it has the matrix and the balance; whereas most wire silvers from any location - old or new - do not.