United Kingdom Ammonite Fossil Plate

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...

Giant Mounted Gypsum Minerals Cluster from China

Apophyllite crystals of this scale are rarely seen. This piece has been beautifully mounted onto a mirrored steel base making it the perfect statement for any interior. Since 1986 D...

Large rare cubed yellow fluorite formation from China mounted on a mirrored steel base. Since 1986 Dale Rogers has been sourcing the grandest fossils, crystals and minerals from a...

The Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom as used in Scotland after Queen Victoria’s accession in 1837. And a very fine example of high quality and spirited carving, with both the...

Scottish, after 1837. This particular carving of the Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom as used in Scotland is marvellous for the tremendous vitality of the Unicorn and Lions. It ...

Portugese Caldas da Rainha Palissy lobster wall plaque, circa 1930. Decorated with mussels, shells and seaweed. Has no structural issues and is...

Very decorative modernist nautical motif wall plate. Handmade of black lacquered metal plate with brass fish from 1950s, by Peerage. In very good vintage condition.