Giant Palm Frond Fossil, United States. Eocene Era

Giant Mounted Gypsum Minerals Cluster from China

This outstanding fossilised skeleton is that of the ancestral crocodile species Steneosaurus bollensis that lived during the early Jurassic period. The skeleton, complete with armoured plates, has been exquisitely preserved and recovered from the Holzmaden Oil Shale of south Germany. The crocodile was once buried in fine, muddy sediment 195 million years ago at the bottom of the Tethys Ocean, which once existed between Europe and Africa. The calm, deep water provided a rare anoxic (without oxygen) environment, which prevented the skeleton from any significant decomposition before burial. The mud has since been compressed into oil shale, leaving the immense skeleton completely in-tact. This specimen is one of the few skeletons of Steneosaurus bollensis ever to be discovered. We can deduce much about the life of this reptile from the size and perfect preservation of the piece. Similar to present-day crocodiles, we can see that the two front limbs of the Steneosaurus are much shorter than the back two. This indicates that crocodile ancestors were bipedal; indeed, we believe that crocodiles evolved from the same reptile species as the dinosaurs and airborne pterosaurs. Dinosaurs ruled the lands during the late Triassic and early Jurassic. This made terrestrial life increasingly difficult for ancestral crocodiles, as there were many predators and prey was scarce. However, the seas were rich in fish, shellfish, starfish, crabs, squid… You can even see fossil belemnite guards (bullet shells of squid-like organisms) and the beautiful spiral shells of ammonites preserved around the crocodile skeleton...

About Since 1986 Dale has been sourcing the most unique fossils and minerals from around the world and through his company has been supplying leading interior designers and collector...

Fossilised Wood Plinth

Vintage aged paper map of the United States mounted on particle board and framed in a simple wooden frame.

Antique map titled 'Amérique septe. Physique'. Small map of the United States. lithographed by C. Callewaert brothers in Brussels circa 1870.

Map of United States Central Sheet 1903 – Railroads, States, and Topography This is a finely engraved and beautifully colored map titled "United States of North America (Central She...

Antique map titled 'Colton's United States of America'. Show railroads, canals, state capitals, major cities and towns, military posts, historic trails, Pony Express and U.S. mail routes; Dakota [Territory] extending deep into Nebraska, and Idaho [Territory] encompassing [modern day] Montana and Wyoming; Indian Territory...