Lot 334
Ichthyosaurus Paddle and Vertebrae. Ichthyosaurs were fast swimming reptiles that resembled dolphins. This lot contains a near complete fore paddle (pectoral) and also two vertebrae and several more disarticulated phalanges. This species Ichthyosaurus communis from Lyme Regis, Dorset England was the first species of Ichthyosaur discovered in 1918 by Mary Anning who became the very first fossil dealer and inspired the ditty "she collects sea shells at the sea shore.".Ichthyosaurus is 190 million years old and would have been about 5-6 feet long as an adult. This well detailed 14 x 7.5 inch dark grey matrix contains an articulated paddle which is really the fingers of the Ichthyosaur which kept adding phalanges to create a paddle which was used for steering while it was swimming. While we only have three phalanges in our fingers, Ichthyosaurus had up to 15 phalanges as you can count in this specimen. The large number of phalanges also identifies it as a front pectoral paddle as the rear paddles had fewer phalanges. While ammonites are common from Lyme Regis, any bones from Ichthyosaurs are rarely found and in great demand.
Add $30 for domestic shipping.
Estimated Value $900 - 1,300.
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