HALP24-06
Silver (twinned crystal on matrix)
Kongsberg, Buskerud, Norway
Miniature, 4.5 x 4.1 x 2.3 cm
Ex. Jack Halpern
$5,000.00 Payment Plan Available
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This is a very sculptural and old-time silver specimen from Kongsberg, Norway displaying complex intergrowths of very finely crystalline silver - highly unusual from a locality known for "rope" style wire silver crystals. It is definitely "Kongsberg" in style for such pieces, although they are quite rare; and is a choice miniature that is more robust and space-filling in person than the photo may indicate. It is a hefty piece with lots of complexity to it, when you look closely. Kongsberg crystals are rare enough and twinned crystals are 1 in 1000. There are two rather large, complex (one sharp dodecahedron and one sharply twinned!) silver crystals on the piece that are adjacent to either side of the large center open area (a cast), that measure 1.5 and 1.3 cm, respectively. A prominent geometric cast on the specimen probably indicates the former presence of a calcite rhombohedron that experienced dissolution long ago. The large cast measures 2.5 x 1.3 x 1 cm and there are several other casts after calcite on the piece as well. A very intriguing piece that is atypical of most Kongsberg silvers, and probably very old. Purchased from Cal Graeber long ago.