Featured Christie’s 1/21/23

http://m1.emails.christies.com/nl/j...h0=&COSID=40698315&cid=DM487209&bid=338692863

 

The rabbit art is delightful! Happy Year of the Rabbit!!

 

Wouldn't that railroad spike just be FUN to own!!!
A STEEL RAILROAD SPIKE CLAD IN GOLD AND SILVER USED IN THE CEREMONY MARKING THE COMPLETION OF THE TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD, 10 MAY 1869!!!!! Of course, NOT from MY insufficient pocketbook!!!!
Estimating $300K-$500K!!! Thanks for posting, @springfld.arsenal !!​

 

If I had that kind of cash available I’d probably want the only surviving US cannon from the Battle of Bull Run in 1861, I know the present owner. And I’m sure it’d be less than the low estimate on the spike.

 

If that's THE spike, it belongs in the Smithsonian, on display.

 

About the spikes: https://americanhistory.si.edu/american-enterprise-exhibition/new-perspectives/forgotten-workers/trr

 

This has to be some sort of replica, or one of same. The Smithsonian already has one of the original gift replicas. I didn't open the catalog the first time and presumed the real deal is still spiked into the ground somewhere. At half a mil it seemed possible someone rescued it when track had to be replaced. This one however is too pretty; no one hammered that into the ground.

 

What are the odds that a company director would be able to swing a hammer and hit the thing anyhow?

 

He wouldn't have to hit it hard, and I'd say fairly decent. Besides, he would have practiced so as to not nail his toe somehow instead.