Opening Bid :
Current Bid:
Reserve Amount:

You are the current high bidder on this lot with a secret maximum bid of %bidPretty%.
(%bidBP% w/Buyer's Premium (BP) Buyer's Premium).


Notice: You are the current high bidder on this lot, but the next highest bid is within one increment. That means that any additional bids on this lot will outbid you. To increase your chances of winning, enter your highest maximum bid.

You are the current high bidder on this lot with a secret maximum bid of %bidPretty%.
(%bidBP% w/Buyer's Premium (BP) Buyer's Premium).

You are the current high bidder on this lot.
(Sign-In to see your maximum bid)

Your secret maximum bid of %bidPretty% has been outbid.

Your secret maximum bid of %bidPretty% does not meet the reserve.

(Sign-In to see your maximum bid)

Your secret maximum bid does not meet the reserve.
(Sign-In to see your maximum bid)

Lot
49315

SUPERB TYRANNOSAURUS SKELETON. ...

2012 May 20 Natural History & Fine Minerals Signature Auction- New York #6068

 
Sold for: Not Sold Not Sold
Auction Ended On: May 20, 2012
Item Activity: 2 Internet/mail/phone bidders Number of Bidders
41,436 page views
Location: Center 548
548 W. 22nd St.
New York, NY 10011

Description:
SUPERB TYRANNOSAURUS SKELETON
Tyrannosaurus bataar
Late Cretaceous
Central Asia
The classification of the Tyrannosauridae family is somewhat convoluted, but even the least scientifically-inclined observer can see at once that the similarity between the fearsome Tarbosaurus (meaning "alarming lizard") and the famous Tyrannosaurus rex. T.bataar currently belongs in fact to its own tribe, Tarbosaurinae, within the Tyrannosaurinae subfamily, but many scientists support a reversion to its initial classification (in 1955) as Tyrannosaurus bataar. On the other hand, a 2003 paper proposed that the nearest relative of the Tarbosaurus was in fact another late Cretaceous Tyrannosaurid, the Alioramus; if true, this would suggest that two distinct Tyrannosaurine families evolved separately in both North America and Central Asia, over 70 million years ago. The T. bataar was marginally smaller than the T. rex, at 30-40 feet in length, but equipped with the same powerful jaws, monstrous teeth, powerful hind legs, and voracious appetite for prey. Like the T. rex, it also had remarkably short forelimbs, the shortest in relation to body-size of all dinosaurs. It ruled the food chain of the ancient floodplains that are today's Gobi Desert, thinking nothing of taking down the giant Titanosaurs with which it shared the ecosystem. There is evidence also that the T. bataar was not above scavenging, bite-marks on a hadrosaur Saurolophus discovered in 1995 suggesting that the carnivorous dinosaur carefully stripped muscle and flesh from a half-buried carcass. This is an incredible, complete skeleton, painstakingly excavated and prepared, and mounted in a dramatic, forward-leaning running pose. The quality of preservation is superb, with wonderful bone texture and delightfully mottled grayish bone color. In striking contrast are those deadly teeth, long and frightfully robust, in a warm woody brown color, the fearsome, bristling mouth and monstrous jaws leaving one in no doubt as to how the creature came to rule its food chain. Equally deadly and impressive are the large curving claws, with pronounced blood grooves. The body is 75% complete and the skull 80%, and it is mounted on a discreet gray-painted armature. Measuring 24 feet in length and standing 8 feet high, it is a stupendous, museum-quality specimen of one of the most emblematic dinosaurs ever to have stalked this Earth. Bone map and restoration details available upon request.

SALE CANCELED DUE TO PENDING LITIGATION OF OWNERSHIP DISPUTE

Condition Report*:

Condition report available upon request.

*Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. Framed lots estimated at $1000.00 or less shall not be unframed for inspection and may not be returned based on condition. All lots offered are sold "AS IS".

View large image(s) of this item

Service and Handling Description: Requires 3rd Party Shipping (view shipping information)

Sales Tax information  |  Terms and Conditions

Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments

Find Auction Prices for Comparable Items:

Photographs:
Sign-in or Join (free & quick) to see the full image



Floor Auctions: Live & Coming Soon

Entertainment

05/30/2013

Nature & Science

06/02/2013

US Coins

06/05/2013

Arms & Armor

06/09/2013

Silver

06/14/2013

Fine & Rare Wine

06/14/2013

Decorative Art

06/15/2013

Historical

06/22/2013

Old West

06/22/2013

US Coins

07/11/2013

Heritage Membership

764,717 bidder-members
$901,387,505 sold in the last year

 

Quality Consignments Wanted

Consign to the 2013 Oct 20 Natural History Signature Auction - Dallas.

 

E-mail Stephanie O'Barr, or call 1-800-872-6467 x1444

We expect to have one of our Consignment Directors visiting your area soon. Please call to arrange an appointment.

Testimonials:
It's simply amazing to participate in one of your auctions.
B.T. ,
San Diego, CA

HA.com receives more traffic than any other auction house website. To compare for yourself, visit: compete.com

 

In The News

Hall of Fame