DROMAEOSAUR " RAPTOR " KILLING 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.  Typically, they are out of the budget of most dinosaur enthusiasts, especially "killing" claws.  This specimen provides an excellent and rare opportunity to own a genuine KILLING claw WITH NO RESTORATION and NO REPAIR at a fraction of the price of most claws.  As a raptor killing toe claw, it is a super rare fossil.  Best side is shown with the other side being intact but lightly encrusted.  Display side features blood groove detail evident as shown above and entire surface displays a dark orange patina from the sediments in which it was found.  This prize fossil can boast of having ZERO repairs nor fabrication and has only been chemically sealed to preserve its fragile nature.

Most dinosaur claws of any species command the highest fossil 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.  

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 the prize fossil from definitely the most popular predatory dinosaur.  With top quality killing claws selling for prices now approaching $2000, this specimen is a bargain and a VERY RARE chance to purchase such a fossil claw at such a reasonable price.  Were it not for the encrustation, this INTACT specimen would be right up there with other killing claws we have sold for much more than this.  You will not find another genuine raptor toe claw for any less.  The source where this was found is now almost completely devoid of quality teeth, and claws which were always rare, turn up less than a handful of times in a year's worth of digging by many prospectors. 

AN ABSOLUTE BARGAIN IN A GENUINE AND 100% COMPLETE RAPTOR CLAW!

1.45" long along the dorsal curve

SOLD     DC15     INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX     Actual Item - One Only

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