Undated (ca. 1960) Thorne Mining and Refining Co. Cast Silver Fantasy Ingot.

Undated (ca. 1960) Thorne Mining and Refining Co. Cast Silver Fantasy Ingot.，26.1 mm x 26.3 m x 7.8 mm. 41 grams. From the well known and often discussed group of bars and ingots purportedly made by Paul G. Franklin and distributed with the assistance of John J. Ford, Jr. These are widely collected today, although they are recognized as fantasy pieces. This example differs markedly from the typical Thorne ingots which are usually between three and four ounces, and of a rectangular shape -- more than twice as long as they are wide. Below the usual THORNE / MINING AND REFINING Co. imprint around a balance scale logo, the typical Thorne bar had recessed rectangular panels where the monetary value, weight, fineness and serial number could be stamped. However, this piece is cut off just below the logo and does not include the part where each individual bars characteristics were stamped. We could find only two examples of Thorne bars in a similar format. One in gold, which is nearly identical to this one on the front, but has the weight and fineness stamped on the back, and the other in silver and bearing only the first of the lower panels, with the remaining panels cut off. Attractive antique silver-gray finish, even on the cut edge, and showing no significant blemishes other than the assorted imperfections it acquired during the antiquing process. A fascinating piece of numismatic history.，，