|
FRONT SIDE MOUNTED WITH ORIGINAL SAND AND SHELLS FROM PLEISTOCENE (IRVINGTONIAN) SHELL PIT IN WHICH SKULL WAS FOUND
BACK SIDE OFFERING 360 DEGREE VIEWING
BACK SIDE ANGLE LOOKING DOWN SHOWS DETAIL ON ALL SIDES
MASSIVE SNOUT WITH INTACT NOSTRIL OPENINGS
PERFECTLY PRESERVED ARTICULATING SURFACES
|
|
LARGEST KNOWN PREHISTORIC AMERICAN ALLIGATOR SKULL MOUNTED ON MATRIX Shell Pit (Charlotte County) - Florida, U.S.A. PLEISTOCENE PERIOD (IRVINGTONIAN): 1.7 - 1 million years At 30.5 inches in length, this Irvingtonian Era Pleistocene fossil skull has been examined by staff at the Florida Museum and is believed to be the largest and most complete fossil skull ever found of Alligator mississippiensis. An original associated anterior portion of the lower jaw is also present but if the lower was complete, the skull is estimated to have been approximately 36 inches! The alligator this specimen came from would have approached 20 feet in length, surpassing the largest modern American alligator ever discovered. This skull is the only known prehistoric fossil A. mississippiensis skull of this size and degree of completeness known to science. There is only approximately 15% restoration, mainly cracks filled as the skull elements had been broken when found together in a Florida Irvingtonian Era Pleistocene dated shell pit. The portion of the lower jaw is original and part of the same animal. The skull has been mounted on a pedestal display made of original sand and fossil shell matrix that was also brought back from the site from which it was found. The shells were found with the skull and the portion of the lower jaw is also original and was found alongside this massive upper. At the front of the lower jaw, a portion of fossil coral is still attached as found. The entire array of teeth are authentic with two large teeth at the anterior being the only cast replacements. All color on the bone, teeth, coral and sand is natural and as found. The sand has been hardened and is completely stabile like cement. Not only does this specimen represent an extreme rarity in terms of science but the design of the mount is the most artistic and fascinating display mount of ANY skull we have ever seen. It appears as if you are looking at the wall of the pit and the skull is just sitting there buried in the layers with the shells. The immense proportions and features of this authentic fossil skull make for a show-stopping display that one will never forget once experienced. The nature of this display is designed to allow the skull to be viewed on all four sides. The modern alligator as we know it today, has remain unchanged for millions of years. To gain an insight as to the nature of this beast, we can look at what we know from a living alligator. In North America, the alligator is the largest living reptile. Unlike crocodiles that have a narrow jaw and 4th position upper jaw tooth that hangs over the lower jaw when closed, alligators have a broader skull and their 4th upper tooth fits into a socket in the lower jaw, and is concealed when the jaw is shut. Alligators inhabit fresh and brackish marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, swamps, bayous, and large spring runs. Their diet mainly consists of fish, birds, small mammal, turtles, snakes, frogs and invertebrates. After emerging from hibernation in April, they mate from that time up until May. The female builds her nest in June. Hatchlings will remain with the mother for as long as 3 years from birth. This exceedingly rare specimen presents itself as truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to acquire the only specimen of this size and completeness privately held and known to science. Unquestionably, the nature in which this specimen is displayed rivals ANY authentic fossil exhibit we have ever seen in any major public museum. It is not only highly aesthetic but it is completely relevant and educational as all the materials used in the display were found from the exact site where this massive skull was found and all materials used are from the same Pleistocene Era layer as the skull was buried in.
EXTREMELY RARE AND ONLY ONE KNOWN OF THIS SIZE AND COMPLETENESS!!! THIS SPECIMEN IS WHOLLY OWNED BY US AND IS AVAILABLE FOR PERSONAL INSPECTION AND IMMEDIATE DELIVERY. MOST INCREDIBLE AND VISUALLY IMPRESSIVE PREDATOR FOSSIL WE HAVE EVER OFFERED TO DATE - RARE BEYOND MEASURE AND MOUNTED IN A WAY THAT EXCEEDS ANY PUBLIC MUSEUM EXHIBITION DISPLAY !!! LARGEST AND MOST COMPLETE PREHISTORIC ALLIGATOR MISSISSIPPIENSIS SKULL EVER DISCOVERED! 30.5" upper skull length by 14" skull width SOLD MV27-004 INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX Actual Item - One Only |
|
|
|
24500 |
