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DROMAEOSAUR " RAPTOR " TOE CLAW - Tegana Formation - Kem Kem, Morocco LATE CRETACEOUS PERIOD: 96 - 66 million years ago Without a doubt, a raptor claw is the most sought-after fossil amongst all dinosaur fossil collectors regardless of how advanced they are. In today's market, locating a quality (and correctly identified!) raptor claw is next to impossible. A raptor claw is the "holy grail" of fossils and years can go by before a choice specimen ever becomes available on the market. This claw is one of those types. This specimen is one of two superb raptor claws we have left from all of last year's collecting efforts with the other being a hand claw (DC16) here. Compared to the few junk claws you may find on the market (assuming they really are from a raptor!) this toe claw will be hard to improve upon. If you currently own a fine quality toe "killing" claw, this would be the perfect compliment to such a rare specimen as this would have been the claw next to the killing claw. If you have missed out on some of the beautiful toe claws we have had in the past, don't miss this rare chance to acquire one of the finest raptor toe claws you could hope for. This claw represents the final specimen we have to offer from a culmination of all of last year's collecting efforts. The soonest we return to the Sahara will not be until towards the end of this year. This claw exhibits some of the best preservation you could ever hope for in such a specimen. Color is white, untainted from the sediments and the surface is extremely dense and smooth with perfect preservation! The 'blood groove" is distinct running down both sides of the claw and retains excellent preservation. The entire claw is solid with no fractures or repair with the exception of the final 1/8" (3 millimeters) of the tip requiring reconstruction. Like nearly all of our fossil preparation, this was professionally performed by us so you can be confident in the full AND ACCURATE disclosure of all work conducted on the specimen. This top-grade example was not pieced together from fragments and filled where parts were missing. It represents one of the most perfectly preserved raptor toe claws we have encountered! Most dinosaur claws of any species command the highest prices and are the most demanded dinosaur fossils. The majority are mostly pieced back together from fragments and require CONSIDERABLE restoration. Raptor claws are unquestionably, the most asked for fossil claw. In examining this superb example, one can immediately recognize its value and rarity! The "killing claw" of raptors was a terrifying and incredibly efficient weapon. As they moved, it was held off the ground. When the muscles of the toe were contracted, the claw swept down quickly, providing for a powerful slash that may have been able to disembowel prey swiftly. The stiffened tail would have been good to stabilize the body while the grasping arms and jaws held onto the prey for balance. Although there is no conclusive evidence for this, it has been suggested that raptors could have performed leaps onto large prey and used all four limbs to rip wounds in them. Raptors were ferocious predators that some scientists believe hunted in packs and attacked much larger dinosaurs by slashing their underbellies. It is also believed that they were similar to lions in predatory behavior, preferring ambushes and quick chases using their high maneuverability along with strategic pack-hunting tactics. A human could be torn to shreds by a pack of raptors in less than 30 seconds. This specimen is a must for anyone that has ever wanted one of these prizes of prehistoric predators. The source where this was found is now almost completely devoid of quality claws. Today, a fossil claw like this is now seldom discovered of and an entire year of many diggers' efforts usually does not yield a single specimen.
REMARKABLE SPECIMEN OF AMAZING PRESERVATION! 1.3" long along the dorsal curve $1150 DC14 INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX Actual Item - One Only |
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