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CARCHARODONTOSAURUS LOWER JAW WITH TEETH Tegana Formation, Kem Kem (Northern Sahara Desert), Morocco LATE CRETACEOUS PERIOD: 96 - 66 million years ago If you want rare, you've got it! This is the only genuine fossil Carcharodontosaurus lower jaw of its kind known to exist. Carcharodontosaurus was first discovered in Egypt in the early 20th century. Few fragmentary remains and teeth were collected and housed in a museum in Germany. Unfortunately, in 1994, all fossils were destroyed in an Allied bombing run during the second world war. The only other time this largest of all meat-eating dinosaurs was ever found was in 1995 by Paul Sereno. In the cretaceous beds of the Kem Kem, a six foot skull was unearthed but the lower jaw was absent. Other than teeth still found at the formation, Sereno's discovery and the earlier destroyed specimens from Egypt are the only documented finds of any magnitude regarding this rare beast. With no examples of the lower dentary known to exist, this specimen ranks as one of the rarest finds made in many years at the site. To call this specimen 'rare' is an absolute understatement! No other genuine example of this part of Carcharodontosaurus has ever been recorded placing this large jaw section at the top of the list when it comes to rare and important discoveries! What is even more remarkable is that there is only approximately 5% restoration performed to bone in this jaw section. These areas are mainly limited to the area immediately surrounding the most posterior tooth, and small areas repaired to the lower anterior edge of the bone. Two of the seven teeth are natural. The two natural teeth are the erupting specimens shown in the last close-ups and are the first and the fifth positions in the jaw. Careful analysis as to the color and geometry of the teeth was considered when selecting specimens to add to the other five positions to complete this specimen. The profiles and color of these teeth are accurate despite their not being found in the jaw with the two original specimens. The largest teeth measure 2.25" in length on the leading edge from the base of where they protrude. These are 3" teeth with a portion of the tooth embedded in the socket. Fortunately, enamel and grain can be seen in the two erupting examples that were found in the jaw so that the selection of the teeth is both scientific and aesthetically correct. The third to last image shows a close-up of the fascinating genuine bone surface of the jaw. Highly detailed growth lines that swirl around the surface and nerve openings have been wonderfully preserved and are intact. This jaw section represents close to HALF of the entire lower dentary! For the advanced collector or public research institution or exhibition, we strongly recommend this recent discovery to be added to your current catalog. ONE OF THE RAREST DINOSAUR FOSSILS WE COULD EVER OFFER - AMAZINGLY RARE INVESTMENT! THIS IS THE ONLY CARCHARODONTOSAURUS LOWER JAW FOSSIL OF ITS KIND KNOWN TO EXIST!!! 10.2" long on the outside x 6.75" high SOLD DB203 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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Carcharodontosaurus by the great TODD MARSHALL. Used with permission and copyright protected. |
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