ITEM CODE: HOLZICHTH1
GORGEOUS HOLZMADEN SHALE PLATE FRAMING A COMPLEX ASSEMBLAGE OF ADULT FEMALE AND FETAL STENOPTERYGIUS QUADRISCISSUS REMAINS H1
GENUS/SPECIES: Stenopterygius quadriscissus
Phylum Chordata, Clade Sauropsida, Superorder Ichythyopterygia, Order Ichthyosauria, Family Stenopterygiidae
GEOLOGICAL AGE: Early Toarcian Stage, Lower Jurassic (182 million years old)
STRATIGRAPHIC FORMATION: Posidonienshiefer Formation
LOCATION: Holzmaden, Bavaria, Germany
DESCRIPTION: A deep gray, handsome slab of Holzmaden Shale embraces a magnificent assemblage of Stenopterygius quadriscissus pyritized remains, skillfully prepared to highlight the partly disarticulating portion of vertebral column, numerous ribs, and the remains of at least two paddles, or fin-like limbs. The pyritized remains are prepared in high relief, with vertebral bodies jutting from the slab in transverse to angled to cross-sectional arrays. Adult ribs course in varying orientations, though many remain at least loosely associated with the vertebral column. Several more distal paddle remains may be visualized, with one such bone isolated near the superior margin of the plate. Further scrutiny of this plate reveals a striking revelation: fetal ichthyosaur remains are admixed within this assemblage of adult bones! At least seven distinct fetal ichythosaur ribs are evident, as are two teeth and the cross-section of two vertebral bodies. This recognition allows one to configure this plate to represent the mid-thoracic to proximal caudal vertebral column, rib assemblage and caudal paddle(s) remains of an adult, pregnant female Stenopterygius quadriscissus. Two well-repaired cracks pass through portions of the slab. This is a magnificent, museum-worthy, scientifically fascinating and aesthetically gorgeous specimen deserving of intensive study!
GRADE: 3.75 (Out of 5.0) Please see grading system
SIZE: Matrix-90.3 cm (35 ½ “) x 73.8 cm (29”)
Specimen-84.5 cm (33 ¼”) x 64 cm (25 ¼”)
ITEM CODE: HOLZICHTH1
PRICE: $22,000
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