[meteorite-list] ANSWER - whole stone concerns

From: Walter Branch <waltbranch_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Sun, 8 May 2011 20:17:22 -0400
Message-ID: <1A67692EAA4E4947A8F1F83C0AD7AE48_at_acer330bb84976>

Hello Michael,

It really is not that easy. As this example illustrates, even honest
dealers can be duped. I purchase meteorites from a very small list of
dealers. Very small. I have done business with some for 15 years; two I
started buying from this year. All have earned my complete trust.

However...

While I trust these dealer to not intentionally dupe me, how do I know they
trust their sources and they have done their due diligence in the same way I
have?

As an example, I applaud Anne Black for setting the example of providing
provenance for her meteorites but how am I assured the person who sold a
given specimen it to Anne did what Anne and I would have done? BTW, I trust
Anne.

I sold some meteorites recently. I listed the dealers I purchased the
meteorites from. I sold one last week that I obtained from Matt Morgan. I
told the purchaser I got it from Matt. Did Matt vett his source, as I have
done Matt? I don't know. Did the person before them? I don't know. BTW,
I trust Matt.

Remember the, what was it, sandstone dinosaur egg incident?

As we can see, the chain of custody can become quite complicated.

I have been concerned for a long time now about this sort of thing
happening. The surprising thing to me is that it did not happen sooner.

This whole incident is really getting to me. I have had it on my mind all
day.

-Walter Branch


----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Blood" <mlblood at cox.net>
To: "Richard Montgomery" <rickmont at earthlink.net>; "Meteorite List"
<meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2011 4:53 PM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] ANSWER - whole stone concerns


> >How can I be sure that
>> any whole stone be properly labeled as classified?
> --
> Easy,
> We have only been saying this on the list since
> The list began: Buy from a dealer known for honesty
> And integrity.
>
> God bless the IMCA and the hard workers of the
> Board BUT I do not consider an IMCA number to be
> The equivalent of "honesty and integrity." I know an
> example where two new dealers applied. One was accepted
> The other was told to, essentially, get some more experience
> Under his belt. Well, I knew him personally as a person
> Of honor. The irony was I also knew the other "dealer" and
> That individual had attempted to increase price on me
> AFTER I had sent money for a new fall. Between the
> Two, there was no question in my mind in whom I would
> Have confidence. So, no, I do not consider an IMCA logo
> Sufficient in and of itself to "guarantee" authenticity. (I
> DO consider it sufficient to pursue action if I am defrauded,
> However)
>
> Additionally, failing to KNOW people who have long
> Standing honorable dealings - such as ET, Mike Farmer,
> Anne Black, Geoff Notkin, etc, etc, etc, then I would take
> An unknown IMCA member over an entirely unknown
> entity. In fact, I would not deal with an entirely unknown
> Entity again - unless I KNEW what I was getting was
> What I was paying for through other sources than the
> Seller. (IE I could see by looking at it, it has distinctive
> Features unique to that fall, the seller bought his stash
>>From someone I know, etc).
>
> So, the answer to your question is simple: Buy only
>>From dealers you know AND TRUST or, at the very least
> from IMCA members.
>
> Warm regards, Michael
>
>
>
> On 5/8/11 8:54 AM, "Richard Montgomery" <rickmont at earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>> Hello List.
>>
>> This latest Mifflin business has me very disturbed, and brings up a
>> question
>> I've been meaning to ask you all for a while now: How can I be sure that
>> any whole stone be properly labeled as classified?
>>
>> Of course there are obvious stones like Camel Donga, (all those that
>> stand
>> alone with external character)...but up until now, only my trust in
>> reputations has allowed me to be comfortable, along with provenance and
>> labels, chain of custody, etc. Yet, now I'll hesitate to acquire whole
>> stones (one of my favorites is to collect wholes and
>> stand-up-by-themselves
>> specimens)...without knowing the back-story comes from someone with
>> honor.
>>
>> I will, however, not hesitate to buy specimens from those of you whole
>> continue to demonstrate honor. Reputations are as important as thorough
>> classifications.
>>
>> This recent incident is exactly what we don't need. If there is honor
>> anywhere, it has been demonstrated by the refundings/returns of those
>> unfortunate to have been affected. Congrats to those of you who did.
>>
>> Only finding the head of the snake will put this all to rest. Or, we all
>> carry microprobes in our backpacks.
>>
>> Richard Montgomery
>>
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>
>
> --
> "Teachin' a pig to dance is a waste of time and it irritates the pig"
> Mark Twain
> --
> 1. Whenever you're wrong, admit it,
> 2. Whenever you're right, shut up.
> Shaquille O'Neal
>
>
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Received on Sun 08 May 2011 08:17:22 PM PDT