Cut to a cube with the surface polished to highlight platinum-hued patina — the result of a centuries-long interaction of this meteorite’s unique chemical composition with that of moist earth. A singularly atypical meteorite, this is a select Dronino specimen; modern cutting.
2³⁄₄in. (7cm.)
2.6kg.

Specified lots are being stored at Crozier Park Royal (details below) or will be removed from Christie’s, 8 King Street, London, SW1Y 6QT by 5.00pm on the day of the sale. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. If the lot has been transferred to Crozier Park Royal, it will be available for collection from 12.00pm on the second business day following the sale. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Crozier Park Royal. All collections from Crozier Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s, 8 King Street, it will be available for collection on any working day (not weekends) from 9.00am to 5.00pm
This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.

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Lot Essay

While 89% of iron meteorites are members of established chemical groups, the other 11% are chemically unrelated. Dronino is one of these exotic, ungrouped irons, which is to imply it originated from an otherwise unknown parent asteroid. Dronino meteorites fell approximately 20 kilometers from an ancient town founded in 1152. As nothing was ever written about what would have been the memorable event of a fireball accompanied by sonic booms and smoke trails, it can be inferred Dronino‘s arrival occurred when the area was unpopulated. Given the extent of terrestrial sculpting seen, a descent to Earth more than a millennium ago can be confidently fixed. The first Dronino meteorite was discovered by a mushroom hunter in Russia in 2000.

The present specimen evidences the attractive silver composition of a Dronino meteorite, presented in a scarcely seen cube-cut form.