SUPERB COMPLETE SABER-TOOTHED CAT SKULL. ...

Description

SUPERB COMPLETE SABER-TOOTHED CAT SKULL
Hoplophoneus primaevus
Oligocene - 33 Million Years Ago
Brule Formation, Shannon County, South Dakota

Saber-toothed "tigers" first appeared in the fossil record 34-38 million years ago. Their hyper-developed canine teeth were essentially finely-serrated knives specialized for killing or feeding. Many scientists have theorized about how the cats used these formidable weapons, but the most likely explanation is that they developed a hunting style that allowed them to capture prey and deliver a "coup de grace" by severing the jugular or other critical blood supply, or by slicing through the windpipe. This would render the prey instantly inactive and thus minimize injury risk to themselves from the normal struggles of dying prey, some of which would have been significantly larger than the cat. This fossil cat is a Hoplophoneus, a solitary hunter with a probable lifestyle very similar to that of the modern leopard, and possessing among the very largest sabers, relative to their skull size, of the prehistoric cats. Because these cats were solitary hunters with large territories, their fossil remains are much rarer than herd or pack animals -- only isolated finds are ever made and never more than one animal in the same area unless it was a den. By contrast, the probable primary prey for this cat, Oreodons, are found quite literally by the thousands in these same fossil beds. In addition, the natural ratio of prey to predator means that there were at least 50 prey animals in a fauna for every predator; only a few percent of which were saber-cats. This outstanding skull is virtually complete with only a few percent restoration. It has an excellent set of teeth which range from a gorgeous chocolate brown to olive brown in color, with the skull being a light cream brown. It is almost perfectly inflated with no distortion - a truly exceptional occurrence. Measuring 8 1/4 inches long by 7 3/4 inches high by 4 3/4 inches wide with 3 inch sabers; this museum-grade display specimen is of the very highest quality and rarity; worthy of the most discriminating collector.

Provenance: George Lee collection

*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.