Lot 4013* - A209 Out of This World - Monday, 17. June 2024, 04.00 PM
FOSSIL OF A GAR
Atractosteus messelensis
Eocene, 48 million years
Messel near Darmstadt, Germany
89.5 × 40 × 0.5 cm
Eocene, 48 million years
Messel near Darmstadt, Germany
89.5 × 40 × 0.5 cm
Gars are an archaic group of fish whose last representatives still live in the fresh waters of North America and the Caribbean. This is why these animals are also referred to as ‘living fossils’. However, the genus Atractosteus messelensis is already extinct.
This specimen comes from the world-famous Messel Pit in Germany, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Before it became an excavation site, oil was mined in the Messel Pit. When this mining ceased, scientists discovered around 51,000 perfectly preserved fossils, which were recovered during countless excavations. Due to their excellent condition, detailed conclusions can be drawn about species diversity, environmental conditions and the development of flora and fauna of this long bygone time. These finds still contribute significantly to our scientific understanding of the Eocene ecosystem (56–33.9 million years ago).
The fossil presented here is a very well-preserved, fully-grown specimen that was found around 1980. The fossil has been carefully prepared and is in its original matrix.
This specimen comes from the world-famous Messel Pit in Germany, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Before it became an excavation site, oil was mined in the Messel Pit. When this mining ceased, scientists discovered around 51,000 perfectly preserved fossils, which were recovered during countless excavations. Due to their excellent condition, detailed conclusions can be drawn about species diversity, environmental conditions and the development of flora and fauna of this long bygone time. These finds still contribute significantly to our scientific understanding of the Eocene ecosystem (56–33.9 million years ago).
The fossil presented here is a very well-preserved, fully-grown specimen that was found around 1980. The fossil has been carefully prepared and is in its original matrix.
CHF 9 000 / 12 000 | (€ 9 280 / 12 370)
Sold for CHF 11 875 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.