Lot 89
France, Middle Eocene, 48 million years ago. Primitive horse fossils are usually limited to isolated finds of teeth and some bones. These fossils are often from either the Pliocene or Miocene Periods. This is an extremely rare fossil of a primitive three-toed horse from BEFORE these periods. And rather than a single bone or tooth, it is a densely packed fossil bed of the prehistoric little primitive horse Plagiolophus. It dates to the Eocene Era which is the FIRST geologic period of the emergence of the horse! This specimen is an incredibly large UNBROKEN bone bed loaded with fossil bones, teeth and a mandible in pristine preservation. A spectacular exhibition-grade fossil appropriate for the finest museum collections. It could be a valuable example of Eocene mammalian evolution or a cornerstone specimen of horse evolution and early development. Its unusually large size and plate-like, flat nature make it easy to exhibit on a wall thereby not requiring any valuable floor display space.
100% natural with NO REPAIR, FABRICATION OR COMPOSITING OF FOSSIL ON THIS ORIGINAL MATRIX PLATE. The matrix is UNBROKEN and completely original to the bones as quarried from the ground. THIS IS NOT A GROUND-UP ARTIFICIAL MATRIX-BED WITH INSERTED FOSSILS AS SO MANY FOSSIL PANEL MOUNTS ARE. An impressive and rare specimen not just for a museum or fossil collector, but for anyone who appreciates horses. A specimen like this would make a perfect feature display on the premises of a horse-breeder or equestrian estate. Most people do not realize that the earliest of primitive horses from the time of this fossil, were about the size of a modern fox and horse evolution dates as far back as 60 million years ago.
Numerous extremely well preserved and important fossils of this horse species can be found naturally associated together in this fossil bone bed. There is a large mandible with all the original molars still in place. There are also several other individual teeth from various jaw positions including incisors and molars with their full crown and root. There are portions of other mandibles and part of a maxilla also present. Numerous limb bones can be seen, as well. The natural dark espresso brown of the fossils contrasts exceptionally well with the light ivory white color of the original stone matrix. The edges of the slab even show embedded bones that have been sawn through during the extraction of this slab. The back side is ground flat and has been reinforced with epoxy for safe handling and display. This is a perfect specimen for wall display and all it needs are some custom brackets to hold it in place on any flat vertical surface. This is a one-of-a-kind specimen of both great scientific importance as well as exhibition visual appeal.
Size: 37" x 19-1/4" overall (94 cm x 49 cm), averaging 1-1/2" (4 cm) thick with a flat reinforced back. IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to size and weight, this lot will require crating. Please inquire about shipping prior to bidding.
Provenance: Ex-Paleo Direct Collection, Florida, USA
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#110553
- Condition: Intact and 100% original bones and teeth in rock layer - not composite or artificial matrix but the actual layer removed and the rock chiseled away to expose the fossils as they lay.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |