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Home / Art & Antiques / 2009 January Signature Natural History Auction Auction #6012 / Lot #41291
    LOT #41291  | 
    Sold on Jan 18, 2009 for: Sign-in or Join (free & quick)

    FANTASTICALLY RARE SHORT-FACED BEAR SKULL. ...

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    Fossils:Mammals, FANTASTICALLY RARE SHORT-FACED BEAR SKULL. ...
    Sold on Jan 18, 2009 for: Not Sold

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    Description

    FANTASTICALLY RARE SHORT-FACED BEAR SKULL
    Tremarctos floridanus
    Late Pleistocene, Rancholabrean
    Marion Co., Florida, USA
    The Florida short-faced bear is an extinct relative of the modern day Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus) that flourished at the end of the Pleistocene era, 300,000-10,000 years ago. They were larger than their modern-day cousins, and distinguished by the short snout that provides their common name, and are sometimes known also as the Florida Cave Bear, for their supposed preferred mode of habitat, and ranged along the Gulf Coast from Florida north to Tennessee and westwards to California. Remains of these creatures, however, are exceptionally rare and this skull represents one of the finest and most desirable examples ever seen; never before has one been offered at auction, and rarely do they come up for private sale (the last instance was over eight years ago). In addition, the present specimen is in truly superb condition, with minimal restoration (minor crack-filling to some processes of the vertebrae, rami, incisors, nasal bones and a few areas of skull). It comprises the skull and complete neck (all seven cervical vertebrae) from an adult female, with the lower jaw of a second female, recovered from the same locality. The patination to the bone is outstanding, ranging from an attractive grey-brown to pale salmon and deep dark black coloring on the skull. Most of the teeth are present, and in a similarly fine state of preservation with excellent enamel coverage. It cannot be overstressed what a fine and rare specimen this is, perfectly presented on a custom metal stand with ovular ash base, and measuring 20½ inches long by 6½ inches wide.

    Condition Report*: Condition report available upon request.
    *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.

    Auction Info

    Auction Dates
    January, 2009
    18th Sunday
    Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
    Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
    Page Views: 2,734

    Buyer's Premium per Lot:
    19.5% of the successful bid (minimum $9) per lot.

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    Sold on Jan 18, 2009 for: Sign-in or Join (free & quick)
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