Museum Quality Orthacanthus Permian Shark

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Exceptional Antiquities | Ethnographic Art

By Artemis Gallery

Oct 11, 2018

Set Reminder 2018-10-11 10:00:00 2018-10-11 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities | Ethnographic Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-ethnographic-art-3500
An important one-day auction featuring museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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• Lot Description
  Orthacanthus (Lebachacanthus). Found in Rheinland Pfalz, Germany. Permian, 260 million years ago. This extremely rare large Permian shark fossil skeleton represents a fortuitous opportunity for the ultimate collector looking for THE FINEST AND RAREST specimens for their own private museum or to loan on public exhibition. This is the kind of specimen that leaves you with a lasting impression when viewed in person. Size: 80.5" L x 31.5" H (204.5 cm x 80 cm); shark measures 63" L (160 cm)
  
  This is a very unique and rare example of this large, primitive shark fossil. Some points to highlight are its rare straight pose, large, open and gaping mouth and a full, dislocated array of all original teeth showing three-dimensional preservation of the unusual forked crowns that these sharks are known for. The white color of the skeleton is natural and has not been painted. Every fin is present and in stunning, complete preservation. This is a male shark and is identified by the VERY RARE occurrence of BOTH left and right claspers seen on the ventral region just anterior to the anal fins. On rare occasions, you may see one side of the claspers present but on this specimen, both are shown because the orientation of the belly in this region is slightly turned for an underside view. These claspers were prepared out with very high 3D relief as seen above in the photos.
  
  From a period in time before the dinosaurs even walked the earth, the bizarre Orthacanthus thrived in prehistoric swamps and bayous in Europe and North America. The Orthacanthus was an ancient freshwater shark that is no longer in existence. It had a very long spine protruding from the back of the head followed by a long ribbon-like dorsal fin that gave it the appearance of an eel. The double forked teeth were another unique characteristic. A full grown Orthacanthus is believed to have grown to 10 feet in length and was THE most dangerous apex predator that terrorized all creatures that lived in its environment.
  
  SPECIAL NOTE: The current laws in this state of Germany have forbid the collection of these remarkable fossils since 1986. This legislation has permanently ended the supply of such magnificent specimens such as this one being offered here. This rare example was originally collected years prior to the ban.
  
  Provenance: private Florida, USA collection, acquired in 2006 from a private German collection
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  #139683

  Condition

  100% original shark with no compositing of pieces from another shark. Typical repair and only 1% fabrication of missing parts and cracks filled. Sealer applied to stone slab. White skeletal color is natural with rare instance of all teeth exposed. A supreme example with meticulous 3D preparation. Rare white color is natural.
• Shipping Info

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