I understand that not everyone enjoys history, but for those that do, continue on. 
I wanted to provide a bit of insight into this, for anyone that desires to know.
In the not too distant past, I shared a wonderful phone call with Michael Haskell concerning a very early Second Phase belt that he’d recently acquired. Michael is a wealth of knowledge on early silver and adornment, and he is a joy to converse with. He imparted to me a most enjoyable story that I wish to share.
Michael has been a trader since 1969, and spent time with the likes of Ron Munn, Clay Lockett, and Don Percival to name a few.
At an early point in his career, Don Percival invited Michael to his home and said, “I want to show you something.” Don led Michael to a bedroom full of early jewelry and headstalls. As he was in failing health, he asked Michael to purchase his collection. Which Michael did with the help of his father, at age 26 for $30,000.
A few years later, in the early 70’s, Michael had the opportunity to view the entire C.G. Wallace collection at Wallace’s De Anza Motor Lodge in Albuquerque, NM. (C.G. built De Anza in 1939, and owned it until 1983.)
C.G. Wallace had his collection at De Anza, and was looking to sell it. After spending the day together perusing the collection in it’s entirety, he had offered it to Michael for $250,000. Michael’s father was willing to aid him in acquiring it, but upon learning that a broker was involved and that their cut was 20% (as well as not being very knowledgeable on Zuni jewelry), Michael said he just wasn’t comfortable taking that kind of risk.
A few short years later, in 1975, what didn’t end up at the Heard Museum was sold through the infamous Sotheby Parke Bernet auction. Michael said that he didn’t attend, but that he had friends that did. Fast forward to a handful of years ago, and he purchased this ketoh that I recently shared in The Ketoh: Beauty in utility
Zuni, Juan de Dios, ca. 1925, Turquoise and Spiny Oyster, Michael Haskell Collection
I have to believe that this is a story he enjoys recounting, as just a couple of days ago I stumbled across the episode of Art Dealer Diaries that Mark Sublette had Michael on as a guest, and he shared with Mark the exact same tale.