Lot 4035* - A209 Out of This World - Monday, 17. June 2024, 04.00 PM
ANCIENT BAT FROM MESSEL
Palaeochiropteryx tupaiodon
Middle Eocene, 47.8 – 38 million years
Messel, Darmstadt, Germany
12 × 13 × 0.6 cm
Middle Eocene, 47.8 – 38 million years
Messel, Darmstadt, Germany
12 × 13 × 0.6 cm
Provenance: German private collection
Palaeochiropteryx tupaiodon is an extinct species of bat from the Middle Eocene of Europe, more accurately from the famous Messel Pit in Germany. They are one of the oldest bats known, existing around 48 million years ago. Despite this, they were already quite advanced, showing evidence of the ability to hunt by echolocation like modern bats.
This fossilized bat was found at the renowned Messel Pit in Germany, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Initially a site for petroleum extraction, the Messel Pit transitioned into an invaluable palaeontological treasure trove post-mining. Countless excavations have yielded remarkably preserved fossils. To this day, they provide invaluable insights into species diversity, environmental conditions, and the evolution of flora and fauna of the Eocene ecosystem (56–33.9 million years ago).
The specimen presented here was found complete and exceptionally preserved, even retaining the outlines of its ears and teeth. Due to its high quality, no restoration was needed.
Palaeochiropteryx tupaiodon is an extinct species of bat from the Middle Eocene of Europe, more accurately from the famous Messel Pit in Germany. They are one of the oldest bats known, existing around 48 million years ago. Despite this, they were already quite advanced, showing evidence of the ability to hunt by echolocation like modern bats.
This fossilized bat was found at the renowned Messel Pit in Germany, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Initially a site for petroleum extraction, the Messel Pit transitioned into an invaluable palaeontological treasure trove post-mining. Countless excavations have yielded remarkably preserved fossils. To this day, they provide invaluable insights into species diversity, environmental conditions, and the evolution of flora and fauna of the Eocene ecosystem (56–33.9 million years ago).
The specimen presented here was found complete and exceptionally preserved, even retaining the outlines of its ears and teeth. Due to its high quality, no restoration was needed.
CHF 5 000 / 6 000 | (€ 5 150 / 6 190)
Sold for CHF 5 000 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.