Manager: Mike Holmes BSc,DipBiolSci,CertNatSci,CertContSci,AMRI,AMIBiol,AMBCS,FZS

Est. 2003 - suppliers to museums, research, universities & film worldwide

PRICE INCLUDES MOUNTING IN BUYERS CHOICE OF POSE!

This is a truly exceptional specimen of Psittacosaur dinosaur.

Measuring 36 1/2" (93cm) in length, the dinosaur is totally genuine, having bones original to the skeleton (not composite).

Astonishingly complete - this is one of the worlds finest examples - could possibly be a world best - it is so well preserved it is difficult to comprehend a better example - there is NO restoration or fabrication whatsoever.

Preserved with every spinous process intact (dorsal, lateral AND ventral) in their original fossilized position (very rare).

The pes (feet) have preserved ankle bones afixed to the tibia (very rare).

Scapulae have attached and complete coracoids (often missing).

The most amazing aspect of this dinosaur is the skull which boasts a complete, intact eggshell thin brain case & complete dentition - incredibly rare!

From our years of research and preparation of many Psittacosaur skulls, we have discovered the brain case of Psittacosaur dinosaur to comprise TWO eggshell thin layers of bone, overlaying each other.

The skull could be described at considerable length, having a number of highly interesting, unique features - in fact we haven't seen anything comparable - the parietals are small, skull length short (possible limited compression) and other features outlined here briefly.

The very rare complete dentition consists of; maxillary (left) 8 teeth, (right) 9 teeth; dentary (left) 8 teeth, (right) 10 teeth - morphology of the left maxillary & dentary cannot hold more than 8 teeth - we have never encountered a Psittacosaur having 10 teeth (either maxillary or dentary)!

Numerous blood and nerve vessel grooves, foramen, abound on the skull surface; both left and right lacrimal canals are preserved within the anterior rim of the orbit(very rare).

Palpebrals (brow horns) are retained in exact fossilized position (rare) - the skull has relatively large naris (nasal cavities).

The lower jaw possesses intact posterior articulation (rare) - beak/mouth is superbly preserved and has been opened to allow viewing within - extreme edges of the beak are present (rare).

Jugal (cheek) horns are present - the right having minor loss to the tip - the astonishingly short sagittal crest is preserved (rare).

Posterior of the skull has been left with reduced matrix, to protect the extremely delicate brain case - within the matrix is one of the dinosaurs original humerus (upper arm) - extracting would be too risky considering the delicate brain case - a comparable replacement humerus is included with the skeleton.

This dinosaur represents the pinnacle of our research and preparation - this specimen has been in our possession some 4 years, with preparation spread over two years.

For total peace of mind, we can offer shipment on receipt of payment through ESCROW.com - funds are only released to us on satisfactory delivery to you.

PRICE

USD $24999.00 + USD $99.00 (SHIPPING)

INCLUDES MOUNTING IN BUYERS CHOICE OF POSE!