Kem Kem Formation, Morocco
Dimensions
3.6"/93mm approximately
weight
52g
Description
An Important Carcharodontosaurus Saharicus Carnivorous Theropod Dinosaur Toe claw, Large dinosaur Theropod claws are extremely rare. This fossil bed in the region of South Eastern Morocco [Western Sahara Desert], produce some of the most eagerly collected dinosaur remains available, making this a superb claw an importantly scientific and museum standard specimen.
Condition report
Most importantly having an excellent and complete tip with good reddish patina, which is consistent of this fossil beds local environment, causing this recognisable ochre to reddish staining found at this classic Moroccan Fossil site. The whole has been treated in our lab with a stabilising agent, which you will note gives the claw a shiny complexion, this can be matted down quite easily to reduce this glimmer finish, if the purchaser so wishes. From tip to proximal end the claw is a classic example, showing good tissue colour and preservation. In life the claw would have been sheathed with a horn type material. Clearly evident are the vascular capillaries at the proximal
End. The tissue grain is completely consistent in the running length of the claw, this shows this claw is absolutely genuine. Fakes do appear, carved from original dinosaur bone being stained with material from the site in an attempt to imitate the real thing and it can take experience over time to distinguish the genuine from the competently man made replica from an experienced Moroccan preparator.
Investor Note
Large dinosaur Theropod claws are extremely rare; the fossil beds of South Eastern Morocco produce some of the most eagerly collected dinosaur remains available, making this a truly superb museum standard specimen. All this at a affordable price tag compared to similar specimens from other localities around the world. Good Claws and Good Teeth from this region are now becoming very scarce, I predict the fossil community will soon see a sharp increase in all Moroccan dinosaur material of this level of quality. Being at the collecting field site end several times in any one year I see the quantity of quality specimens sharply declining
Brief History
Carcharodontosaurus , a fearsome carnivorous Theropod, Commonly named the North African Tyrannosaurus Rex, Although of a different lineage,
discovered by Charles Deperet and J. Savornin in the Continental intercalaire [Continental Red Beds], of Algeria in 1927. Originally named Megalosaurus'
Genus
Carcharodontosaurus Saharicus sp.
Other Nomenclature
Carcharodontosaurid, Carcharodontosauridae, N.Af. Tyrannosaur
Location
Baharija Layer,Tegana Formation, Kem Kem , Province De Ksar-es-Souk,Western Sahara,Morocco
Geological Age
Albion/ Early Cenomanian Late Cretaceous Period 112-93.5 mya
multiple images of one specimen claw
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