CHICAGO, IL.- Step into a cabinet of curiosities this November 10th with Hindman’s Ancient Art & Natural History: A Cabinet of Curiosities auction. Highlighting the auction is a rare and completely preserved iridescent ammonite fossil from 75 million years ago. Fast forwarding in history to another monumental moment, the auction concludes with the manual used by NASA to put a man on the moon in 1966. Presented alongside these items are works from ancient civilizations that reveal a better understanding of our shared history through material culture. This 200-lot auction is the ideal opportunity for collectors to develop their own “cabinet of curiosities.”

Awe-Inspiring Fossils & Meteorites

A lunar meteorite slice, circa 4.6 billion years ago (lot 1; estimate: $5,000-8,000) will lead the sale and natural history offering.

“Lunar meteorites are considered the rarest substance on Earth and date back to the birth of our solar system. To be able to physically offer a piece of the moon is thrilling,” commented Hindman’s Director and Senior Specialist for Antiquities Jacob Coley. “A treasure that is truly out of this world.”

Following, a vibrantly colored, iridescent ammonite fossil (lot 5; estimate: $100,000-120,000), recognized around the world due to its rarity and striking appearance, will be offered. From the late Cretaceous period, circa 75 million years ago, this fossil stands out with its opalescent exterior and constantly shifting colors, changing with the light from vivid reds to emerald greens, to flickers of orange and gold, purples and brilliant blues. This effect is a natural result of the fossilization process, a unique phenomenon only found on ammonites recovered from single location in Canada.

Mankind’s Mark on the Planet: Kraters & Vessels

Following the presentation of early geological material, highlights will include historically significant Greco-Roman vessels. A monumental Attic black-figured column-krater, circa 525-475 B.C (lot 77; estimate: $30,000-50,000) is an incredible display of artistry. Depicting a chariot race, one of the most prestigious events at all the Panhellenic games held in Greece, this column-crater must have pleased the symposiasts whose wine was mixed in it.

Striking Egyptian & Roman Sculptures & Reliefs

Egyptian and Roman sculptures, portrait heads and reliefs will round out a spectacular offering. Standout Egyptian offerings feature a sandstone relief of a river god (lot 64; estimate: $15,000-25,000), and a limestone relief illustrating preparation for the eternal afterlife (lot 59; estimate: $10,000-15,000). Sculptures expected to see competitive bidding include a bronze Isis and Horus (lot 51; estimate: $12,000 - 18,000) and a Greywacke bust of Isis-Hathor (lot 52; estimate: $12,000-18,000).

A robust offering of Roman marble statues and portrait heads will be highlighted by a sculpture of Pan Holding a Panpipe, circa 30 B.C.-10 A.D. (lot 111; estimate: 25,000-35,000) and a marble torso of a military officer, circa 2nd century A.D (lot 112; estimate: $20,000-30,000).