|
|
|
JURASSIC THARSIS FISH FOSSIL ON ATTRACTIVE LIMESTONE PLATE FROM SOLNHOFEN Solnhofen Plattenkalk Formation - Eichstatt, Germany JURASSIC PERIOD: 160 million years ago 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 beautiful features of a superb fossil of the fish, Tharsis dubius. The skeleton, soft body parts and fin detail is exceptional as seen above. The close-up images show fossilized NATURAL detail with zero fabrication to any part. Along the one edge of the plate is a natural border of stunning dendrite inclusions in the stone adding to the overall beauty of this piece. Plate has been repaired but this specimen is without any painting or fabrication of any kind. 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. 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. STUNNING EXAMPLE - EXCELLENT DETAIL WITH A BORDER OF BEAUTIFUL DENDRITES ON ONE EDGE! 8.3" x 7.5" overall with fish 7.25" long $775 F074 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |