[meteorite-list] ALH 84001

From: Walter Branch <waltbranch_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Mar 2011 23:48:49 -0500
Message-ID: <006b01cbdd4c$1e79e8b0$0402a8c0_at_Desktop>

oops, forgot to change the subject line.

mea culpa

-Walter

----- Original Message -----
From: "Walter Branch" <waltbranch at bellsouth.net>
To: <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2011 11:46 PM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] ALH 84001


> Hello New Collectors ( and everyone else too!),
>
> I have been collecting meteorites since soon after NASA made the
> announcement in August, 1996 of ALH 84001. Some on the list have been
> collecting more than I, some less. I would like to share with those new to
> the collecting field how I go about valuing a given meteorite. It is not
> a perfect procedure, but it has served me well.
>
> I come from a background in statistics. I am particularly fond of
> multivariate analysis and used to be pretty good at it. ANOVA, MANOVA,
> etc.
>
> Whisper orthogonal vs. oblique rotation in my ear and I get shivers.
> Brrrrr.
>
> However, you get away from academia/scholarly pursuits for 20 years and
> you get a little rusty :-)
>
> Anyway...
>
> In deciding whether or not to purchase a meteorite, I first decide what
> the meteorite is worth TO ME. A valuation. When I value a meteorite, I
> borrow heavily from the statistical procedures discriminant function
> analysis and multiple regression analysis. In non-stat terms, you take a
> set of variables (we will call them independent variables) and use them to
> either predict or classify another variable (dependent variable). The
> dependent variable is my final price-purchase/no purchase decision.
>
> Asking price is a variable - one variable. Other variables include size,
> characteristics, (slice vs. endcut, vs. whole specimen, etc.),
> historical/cultural/scientific significance, perceived rarity (though this
> variable is taking on less-and-less importance to me), what a piece has
> sold for in the past, etc.
>
> There are also some intangible variables such as perceived honesty and
> importance of the seller and whether or not I know and like the seller.
> Provenance also (but not much).
>
> Now, I do not perform a formal statistical analysis on a piece. I do this
> informally. I weight each variable then decide what a piece is worth to
> me.
>
> I arbitrarily set the valuation of ordinary chondrites and irons at
> $1.00/gram, then mentally add and subtract according to the weight of each
> variable. Lunar and martian meteorites (what I am most interested in) are
> assigned an arbitrary value of $600.00/gram before I start adding and
> subtracting.
>
> The whole procedure takes seconds. Informally, in my head. It sounds a
> bit cumbersome and tedious but it really isn't.
>
> You new guys and gals have to decide what works for you.
>
> Don't get emotionally caught up in a bidding war (on ebay) and don't be
> afraid to ask the dealer or seller if they will accept a lower than asking
> price. You should approach the seller with an idea of what the meteorite
> is worth TO YOU before you make a bid or an offer to purchase.
>
> Anyway, just thought I share.
>
> Happy collecting,
>
> -Walter Branch
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Received on Mon 07 Mar 2011 11:48:49 PM PST