As we've reported, the second sale of Rob Elliott's world famous meteorite collection is to star the main mass of the Hambleton meteorite when it takes place on August 17 in Edinburgh.
The pallasite, which is probably the most exciting and impressive meteorite to be found in the UK, was discovered by Rob himself whilst on a walk with his wife, and the main piece is expected to achieve £12,000-18,000, whilst a polished 725g slice is listed at £2,000-3,000.
However, this is obviously not the only highlight in the sale.
Another intriguing lot is a meteorite which was not only recovered in the UK (which has notoriously hostile conditions for the survival of meteorites) but observed falling.
This is the Strathmore (UK) meteorite - a fusion crusted fragment from the Easter Essendy main mass weighing 30.3g and measuring 4.5 x 2.1 x 1.8cm.
 That must have scared the cows: the Strathmore meteorite |
An extract from The English Mechanic No. 2754 published on January 4, 1918 records the circumstances of the fall, which took place on December 3, 1917.
"At about 1.18 p.m., when the Sun was shining in the south by west sky at an altitude of 10°, many persons in Edinburgh, Perth, Fife, and Forfar saw a brilliant meteor, which gave a startling flash and a series of thunder-like detonations.
"The direction of flight was from S.E. to N.W., and as seen from Edinburgh the meteor descended from high in the N.E. to low in the North. The sounds heard indicated the disintegration of the meteor and its comparative proximity."
Three fragments fell: at Keithick Lodge, about 2 miles W.S.W. of Cupar Angus (weighing 2 1/2 lbs.), where it penetrated the slate roof of the house; at Carsie Farm, about 3 miles N.W. from Keithick (weighing 2 1/4 lbs.), where it was seen to fall into a grass field by a farmer's wife standing about 20 yards away; and finally near Easter Essendy.
The fragment carries an estimate of £3,000-4,000 ($6,500) and will be sold with a framed print of the South Keithick lodge. The meteorite's provenance includes being part of a collection in the National Museums of Scotland, Edinburgh.
The story will remind many of the famous Hodges and Barwell meteorites, not to mention the recent meteorite fall on a Polish farm.
What do people do with their meteorites? Check out our blog for one possibility.
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