Reviews
4.95" Killer Fossil Tyrannosaur (Daspletosaurus) Toe Claw - Montana
This is an exceptionally rare and beautifully preserved 4.95" tyrannosaurid toe claw, attributed to Daspletosaurus sp., one of the formidable apex predators of Late Cretaceous North America. Recovered from the approximately 75-million-year-old Judith River Formation of Montana, this remarkable specimen predates the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex of the Hell Creek Formation by roughly nine million years.
Tyrannosaurid claws of this size, completeness, and quality are exceedingly scarce. While isolated teeth from these great predators are comparatively well represented in the fossil record, their distinctive claws are seldom recovered intact. This specimen is particularly impressive for its substantial proportions, pronounced curvature, and exceptional preservation, retaining the commanding form of a claw that once belonged to one of the most powerful terrestrial predators of its time.
The condition is outstanding, with only a couple of repaired cracks, minor associated gap filling, and limited restoration to the tip. In total, restoration accounts for less than 2% of the specimen, an exceptional level of originality for a fossil of this nature.
Presented on a custom metal display stand, the claw makes a striking sculptural display, equally suited to a distinguished private collection or museum exhibition. A fresh coat of paint can be applied to the stand upon request prior to shipment.
An extraordinary example of a rarely encountered tyrannosaurid fossil, combining impressive size, exceptional preservation, and remarkable completeness. A significant acquisition opportunity for the discerning collector of premier dinosaur fossils.
Tyrannosaurid claws of this size, completeness, and quality are exceedingly scarce. While isolated teeth from these great predators are comparatively well represented in the fossil record, their distinctive claws are seldom recovered intact. This specimen is particularly impressive for its substantial proportions, pronounced curvature, and exceptional preservation, retaining the commanding form of a claw that once belonged to one of the most powerful terrestrial predators of its time.
The condition is outstanding, with only a couple of repaired cracks, minor associated gap filling, and limited restoration to the tip. In total, restoration accounts for less than 2% of the specimen, an exceptional level of originality for a fossil of this nature.
Presented on a custom metal display stand, the claw makes a striking sculptural display, equally suited to a distinguished private collection or museum exhibition. A fresh coat of paint can be applied to the stand upon request prior to shipment.
An extraordinary example of a rarely encountered tyrannosaurid fossil, combining impressive size, exceptional preservation, and remarkable completeness. A significant acquisition opportunity for the discerning collector of premier dinosaur fossils.
Daspletosaurus was a genus of tyrannosaurid dinosaur that lived in western North America during the Late Cretaceous Period. The genus Daspletosaurus contains two species. Fossils of the earlier type species, D. torosus, have been found in Alberta, while fossils of the later second species, D. horneri, have been found only in Montana.
D. horneri holotype skull from Montana in the Museum of the Rockies. Creative Commons License
Daspletosaurus is closely related to the larger and more recent tyrannosaurid Tyrannosaurus rex. Like most tyrannosaurids, Daspletosaurus was a multi-tonne bipedal predator equipped with dozens of large, sharp teeth. It had the small forelimbs typical of tyrannosaurids, although they were proportionately longer than in other genera.
As an apex predator, Daspletosaurus was at the top of the food chain, probably preying on large dinosaurs like the ceratopsid Centrosaurus and the hadrosaur Hypacrosaurus. In some areas, Daspletosaurus coexisted with another tyrannosaurid, Gorgosaurus, though there is some evidence of niche differentiation between the two.
D. horneri holotype skull from Montana in the Museum of the Rockies. Creative Commons License
Daspletosaurus is closely related to the larger and more recent tyrannosaurid Tyrannosaurus rex. Like most tyrannosaurids, Daspletosaurus was a multi-tonne bipedal predator equipped with dozens of large, sharp teeth. It had the small forelimbs typical of tyrannosaurids, although they were proportionately longer than in other genera.
As an apex predator, Daspletosaurus was at the top of the food chain, probably preying on large dinosaurs like the ceratopsid Centrosaurus and the hadrosaur Hypacrosaurus. In some areas, Daspletosaurus coexisted with another tyrannosaurid, Gorgosaurus, though there is some evidence of niche differentiation between the two.
About the Judith River Formation
The Judith River Formation is one of the world's most prolific sources of Late Cretaceous vertebrate fossils. At least sixteen Orders containing more than forty Genera are known from the formation. These include fish, amphibians, mammals, and insects in addition to reptiles and avian (birds) and non-avian dinosaurs. Among the more interesting specimens is Leonardo, a mummified and fossilized Brachylophosaurus. This is a hadrosaur, a duck-billed dinosaur found with amazing soft-tissue preservation: skin impressions can be found on 90 percent of its body! The pattern in the skin on its feet is even preserved. In addition to Leonardo, the Judith River Formation contains the remains of the theropod Hesperornis, the only known freshwater Hespernorthid, a penguin-like bird.
The Judith River Formation is one of the world's most prolific sources of Late Cretaceous vertebrate fossils. At least sixteen Orders containing more than forty Genera are known from the formation. These include fish, amphibians, mammals, and insects in addition to reptiles and avian (birds) and non-avian dinosaurs. Among the more interesting specimens is Leonardo, a mummified and fossilized Brachylophosaurus. This is a hadrosaur, a duck-billed dinosaur found with amazing soft-tissue preservation: skin impressions can be found on 90 percent of its body! The pattern in the skin on its feet is even preserved. In addition to Leonardo, the Judith River Formation contains the remains of the theropod Hesperornis, the only known freshwater Hespernorthid, a penguin-like bird.
$29,500
SPECIES
Daspletosaurus sp.
LOCATION
Montana
FORMATION
Judith River Formation
SIZE
4.95 x 1.55 x 1.45"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#381122
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