Lot 626
140 Million Year Old Bird Fossil From China. In the last several years, the most spectacular dinosaur fossil finds of the century have come out of China, particularly the Liaoning Province. Along with the feathered dinosaurs are also found some of the oldest birds in the fossil records. This small 5¼ inch primitive bird, Liaoxiornis delicatus, dates from the late Jurassic period and only Archaeopterix from Germany is older at 150 million years.
This remarkable, virtually complete bird is remarkable in the details of its preservation. Birds have light, delicate bones that rarely fossilize at all. Due to an enormous volcanic eruption 140 million years ago, this bird was killed by the gases and quickly buried in volcanic ash, thus preserving it intact. There are dark feather impressions at the back of the head and neck, as well as beneath the right wing and at the bottom of its body. The all-important features that identify it as one of the most primitive birds are present as well: two small sharp teeth at the end of its beak, as well as claws at the ends of its wings. Displayed in a 9 x 7 inch Ryker mount to preserve the delicate, soft stone matrix of the compressed volcanic ash layer. A most important and impressive fossil. Weight is 1.1 pounds.
Estimated Value $1,850 - 2,750.
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| Realized $2,300 |
