Wow, beautiful fig, Bass.

In time, all figs are possible to acquire. Just like new technology, the availability will increase and the price will drop over time, as the resources and desires of those first in line are sated. Do I want this one? Absolutely. Will I wait, so I don't have to mortgage a fruit tree? Yep. Patience pays.

SoniSoni, good question. I, too, would like to hear about the expected etiquette on fig naming, as we (me personally) have seen issues with regard to this subject in the past. Who decides and why are they (singular or plural) deemed the authority?

Absolutely stunning! Cool of you to offer out to the f4f community!

I had to add this one to the wish list

Naming an unknown fig is sometimes like giving a name to a pet... if you had 3 different dogs, I'm sure you would give them different names, how about having over a 100 fig in your collection.  
Maltese beauty was originally grown under the name GM 155

OK, I understand. It was not an unknown fig. It was GM 155 and because of it's exceptional qualities it was given a real name.    
 Now how do I get one?    

Pony up $200+++ and buy it from the source on eBay.

Or delay gratification and look for cuttings in a year or so. Not everyone has hundreds of dollars burning a hole in their pockets for a fig. I certainly do not. Black Madeira and other varieties used to be new. Now, they are fairly easy to acquire. Maltese Beauty, while a great-looking fig, is the fruit equivalent of the latest iPhone. It may be surpassed by the latest, greatest ficus in 6 months.

 $200?   will definitely prompt me to be patient.  

Well there's another for my wish list.  Maybe the fig fairy will bring me one someday....lol.  =)

Oh I think the Maltese Beauty will go for a lot more $$ before that auction's over. Not for me, I've always been a "sale" shopper and will wait for prices to come down. There's always going to be an "it fig" as in other things .  

Re one fig naming episode, see thread :
http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/What-is-a-good-name-for-my-new-.155-fig-5891334

I went with Nelson's suggestion and yes he did get one (late) free twig (as a thank you).

I 'distributed' it to more than 20++ F4F members also (1 twig ea., free or for S/H).
Not sure what rooted successfully and/or what is currently growing....

I sold some too.

I do NOT have a fig business (just a humble hobby), but it is nice to recover some of my mucho $$$'s
I do spend acquiring AND maintaining a big fig collection (which recently is becoming a real pain in the butt!!!)...

And sometimes, you don't have to wait years to acquire that special fig. Thanks to generosity like Gorgi's and that of other members, good figs get spread around without breaking the bank. I always look here before seeking on eBay or anywhere else. My collection would be nothing without friends here.

Nothing wrong with recouping, this is an expensive hobby especially if you like the rare stuff. Plus you did fly out to Malta and find these great specimens. Without you we wouldn't have some of your great GM figs.

You just missed your chance. It went for $300

That looks awesome!

Smokin hot pic Bass!

I think your photo is fake, Bass.

Just joking!  Looks great, can't wait for mine to fruit! :)

Here's Maltese beauty on left compared to Black Madeira. 

Oh my goodness - pure heaven !!

WOW. That eBay fig auction mentioned in posting #47 went for $300. Is that a record on eBay or for a Maltese?
Coop

very nice

That's a beautiful fig, I love the shape of it, thanks for sharing

Bass: Very nice figs. Thank you for sharing.

Best,
Tam

If I would compare the two for flavor, they both have a sweet rich flavor. The Maltese beauty is a bigger, it starts ripening a bit earlier, and a more vigorous plant. I'm sure both have FMV, but on Black Madeira FMV stunts the tree, on Maltese Falcon, it's growing well despite FMV exposure.