birdwatcher: (Leif Gram: Mr. Fix)
[personal profile] birdwatcher
The unicorn horns often found in cabinets of curiosities and other contexts in Medieval and Renaissance Europe, were very often examples of the distinctive straight spiral single tusk of the narwhal (Monodon monoceros), an Arctic cetacean. As these 'horns' were considered to have magic powers, Vikings and other northern traders were able to sell them for many times their weight in gold.
During the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth received a carved and bejeweled narwhal tusk for £10,000—the cost of a castle (approximately £1.5—2.5 Million in 2007, using the retail price index).

Date: 2012-09-15 11:18 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] misha-b.livejournal.com
А в чем тут арбитраж?

Date: 2012-09-15 11:31 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] birdwatcher.livejournal.com
продавать лондонских нарвалов, покупать стокгольмских

Date: 2012-09-16 07:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] misha-b.livejournal.com
Ну это, скорее честная торговля. Думаю, добыть и довезти рог было не слишком просто и достаточно рискованно в те времена.

Date: 2012-09-16 08:06 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] birdwatcher.livejournal.com
Это же китобои, они в любом случае собирались добывать и возить. Про честность торговли ничего сказать не могу.

Date: 2012-09-16 08:11 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] misha-b.livejournal.com

Но этого нарвала хрен поймаешь, думаю.