A LARGE ALLOSAURUS HAND CLAW. ...

Description

A LARGE ALLOSAURUS HAND CLAW
Allosaurus fragilis
Late Jurassic - 144-156 Million Years Old
Morrison Formation, Buckshot Quarry, Moffat County,
Colorado
Dinosaur claws are much rarer than teeth. This is because dinosaurs and other reptiles produce teeth continually throughout their lives whenever necessary to replace a tooth that has been seriously damaged or lost in feeding activity or combat. A new germ tooth will begin erupting immediately underneath the root of the damaged or missing tooth and grow completely in, ready for use, in a few weeks. An average modern crocodile will produce and use approximately 3,000 teeth in its lifetime. However, a dinosaur only gets one set of claws which never grow back if lost in combat. Claws of carnivorous, theropod, dinosaurs are 50 times rarer than their herbivorous counterparts strictly because of the natural prey to predator ratio of 50 which seems to establish itself as the natural equilibrium in any ecosystem throughout time. So a theropod claw is one of the very rarest of all dinosaur fossils and highly desirable to any collector. This fearsome claw is a beautiful dark chocolate color and measures 6 ½ inches around the curve by 2 3/8 inches high. The first 2 ½ inches of the tip was heavily pitted and damaged from poor preservation so restoration was professionally done to this area.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.