General Auction including Antiques & Collectables, Gold & Silver.
A natural history specimen consisting of multiple fossilised ammonite shells of the genus Dactyloceras preserved within a natural sedimentary rock matrix. This mortality plate originates from Schlieffhausen, Germany, and is identified as dating to the Lower Jurassic period, approximately 170 million years old. The fossils exhibit the characteristic planispiral coiling and well-defined, closely spaced ribbing associated with the Dactyloceratidae family. Several specimens are visible on the surface in varying orientations and states of exposure, representing a mass mortality event. The specimen is supported by two clear acrylic display stands. A blue rectangular adhesive label is present, printed in black with the text: Schlieffhausen Ammonite in Matrix Schlieffhausen, Germany Dactyloceras sp. 170 million years old Lower Jurassic period. The reverse of the block displays the untreated, textured surface of the natural matrix rock.
Condition report:
The specimen is in good natural condition. Several primary ammonite fossils show excellent detail and high relief (photo 2). The matrix edges are irregular and the surface exhibits natural weathering and geological textures consistent with its origin (photo 1). Some fossil specimens are partially fragmented or obscured by the surrounding matrix, which is a typical feature of naturally occurring mortality plates (photo 3). No modern repairs or restoration are visible in the provided photographs.
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