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RARE EXQUISITE FREE-STANDING CANCER SISMONDAI CRAB FOSSIL FROM ITALY Terra d'Otranto, Italy PLIOCENE PERIOD: 4 million years ago Crab fossils come in a variety of forms and rarities from large extraordinary concretion preparations to artificially-created "specimens" made with modern bleached dead crabs placed in a sand and glue matrix. The degree of preservation of the genuine fossils is a factor in price as is the species type. This is a very rare and exquisitely preserved specimen of Cancer sismondai from the Pliocene sandstone of Terra d'Otranto, Italy. This is one of the most desirable crab fossils of advanced European collectors and fine grade examples with no restoration are true prizes of any knowledgeable collector This specific example has an amazingly well-preserved carapace with both grasping claws present and wonderfully articulated as seen above. Minute armor detail is present and was not lost or destroyed in the preparation process. The crab is still attached to its original host rock as it was found with matrix carefully removed completely around body and anterior underside. The detail near the mouth and below the anterior region of the carapace is stunning and the entire crab is three-dimensional and protrudes off the matrix as if still alive. Only one other example of similar quality of this species was found for sale with a price tag of $700 HIGHER than this example. Minor repair but NO restoration or fabrication which is typically needed in the preparation of these delicate fossils but fortunately, was not required with this premium and very rare example. Cancer sismondai is an extinct member of the diverse group of arthropods called DECAPODA. Decapods comprise lobster, shrimp, prawns and crabs. RARE SPECIES AND STATE OF PRESERVATION! - 100% NATURAL - NO FABRICATION! 4.5" x 4" overall with matrix, crab carapace is 4.3" across SOLD CRUS-002 Actual Item - One Only |
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