Lot 804
An Elephant Bird Egg--The Largest Bird Egg Known. Aepyornis maximus, the elephant bird, laid the largest egg of any bird known. These eggs would hold over eight quarts of yolk, the equivalent of 170 chicken eggs. These giant birds, over ten feet tall, lived on the remote island of Madagascar until they became extinct 400 to 500 years ago. These giant flightless birds may have been the birds responsible for the legend of the "Roc" birds told by Arab sailors who sailed these waters. Occasionally, these eggs are found in eroding sand dunes on the coast of Madagascar, broken by their burial in the sand for hundreds of years. The rare eggs are then carefully reassembled. This excellently-shaped egg is 12" tall and approximately 9" in diameter, and comes with its own base for display. Add $40 for domestic shipping.
Estimated Value $1,400 - 2,200.
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| Realized $2,530 |
