Lot 4012* - A209 Out of This World - Monday, 17. June 2024, 04.00 PM
TRITON TRILOBITE
Walliserops trifurcatus
Circa 350 million years
Morocco
10 × 8 × 4 cm
Circa 350 million years
Morocco
10 × 8 × 4 cm
Trilobites are among the most ancient and archaic animals and are perhaps the most famous fossils after those of the dinosaurs. They are an extinct class of marine arachnomorph arthropods that inhabited the seas during the Palaeozoic Era, from the Cambrian through the Permian periods.
The specimen presented here is one of the strangest and most visually stunning species of trilobite, Walliserops trifurcatus. There is some debate about the purpose of the distinctive trident-shaped rostrum growing from the front of its head. Most likely, it could have either had a sensory purpose or have been used to stir up mud while looking for food.
Unlike many similar-looking specimens on the market, the trident and the free-standing spines of this object are real. They were painstakingly freed of the surrounding solid limestone using air abrasives under a microscope and a great deal of patience.
The specimen presented here is one of the strangest and most visually stunning species of trilobite, Walliserops trifurcatus. There is some debate about the purpose of the distinctive trident-shaped rostrum growing from the front of its head. Most likely, it could have either had a sensory purpose or have been used to stir up mud while looking for food.
Unlike many similar-looking specimens on the market, the trident and the free-standing spines of this object are real. They were painstakingly freed of the surrounding solid limestone using air abrasives under a microscope and a great deal of patience.
CHF 2 000 / 3 000 | (€ 2 060 / 3 090)
Sold for CHF 2 750 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.