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SUPREME GRADE LARGE THARSIS FISH FOSSIL FROM THE FAMOUS JURASSIC SOLNHOFEN DEPOSITS Solnhofen Plattenkalk Formation - Eichstatt, Germany JURASSIC PERIOD: 160 million years ago WARNING: We have noticed an increasing occurrence of heavily restored and painted examples in the marketplace of various types of German lithographic limestone fossils. Similar to the plethora of enhanced fossil fish from Lebanon, the fins, teeth and other detail are painted on with the finest of skill but this is done over a sculpted surface to give the impression of a genuine feature. If the price seems too good to be true, then that should be the first and most obvious 'red flag'. The highest grade GENUINE fossils are rare and have high worldwide intrinsic value and market awareness. There are no 'bargains'. While fossils from this region can exhibit the finest possible preservation of any site in the world, they are extremely rare and occur with less frequency compared to most other fossil-bearing formations. Famous for producing an astonishing diversity of rare and most intricately preserved fossils found anywhere in the world, the Jurassic lithographic limestone deposits of southern Germany are legendary. Quarries in the region are privately held and mostly worked by hand on a small scale. The finest grade fossils are few and far between and much rock must be split to locate them. The best fossils are most often kept by the quarry owners who themselves, are often collectors. Some quarries are operated on a large scale but these are now dug with machinery instead of manual labor. Because of this the rock is damaged and along with it, the rare fossils. What all this means today is that even fewer fine grade Solnhofen fossils are found and when they are, rarely do the best pieces make it to market. Occasionally, an old private collection surfaces and specimens are sold or traded. This is where the rare opportunity comes along to acquire a specimen on a level that truly is a prize find. Typically, the older material is often the best as it was collected when the deposits were first being worked and quality was in greater abundance. This specimen offers the finest attributes of preservation, articulation and color of the fish species Tharsis dubius. It is NOT a negative impression but is the positive side of the split slab, in other words, it is the actual fossilized and mineralized fish. While lesser priced specimens can be found in the market (especially negative side examples where the impression is IN the rock), few if any will ever approach the state of preservation and detail that this beautiful example possesses. Like most of the best Solnhofen fossils, it was found long ago and from a private collection. This specimen far exceeds what is usually offered. It is important to first emphasize that ALL the detail you see across the entire fish IS GENUINE unlike the plethora of fish fossils from the United States (Green River) and Lebanon where much of the "fossil" is painted on the rock by skilled artisans. The slab shows 100% NATURAL dark yellow coloration patterns. The lighter yellow bands are a result of prehistoric fissures in the rock taking on a different coloration in the limestone to contrast to the unusually dark golden plate of rock. The light bands are NOT from repair. Examine the close-up images. Every anatomical feature is very heavily mineralized and preserves with outward, 3D relief. The close-up images show the finest possible state with zero fabrication to any part. As a matter of fact, this specimen is without any painting or fabrication of any kind. Some of the largest dinosaurs that ever walked the earth were in existence when Tharsis swam in the ancient seas alongside massive plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs! This extremely aesthetic prehistoric fish fossil comes with our highest recommendation and will surely prove to be a specimen that will be treasured and enjoyed for years to come. Numerous features make this a prize display fossil, worthy of any discriminating collection, either public or private. LARGE AND FINEST GRADE EXAMPLE WITH SUPERB AESTHETICS IN ALL RESPECTS! 16.5" x 14.5" overall with fish 8" long $1995 F027 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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1995 |
