Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 2471

Natural History - Argochampsa Fossil Crocodile Skull

PALEOCENE PERIOD, 66-56 MILLION YEARS B.P.

17 3/4 in. (4.9 kg, 45 cm).

The upper part of Argochampsa krebsi on a sandy matrix wrapped in a plaster field jacket.

Provenance

From Morocco.
From an East Anglian, UK, collection.

Footnotes

Argochampsa or 'Argo crocodile' is an extinct genus of eusuchian crocodylomorph, usually regarded as a gavialoid crocodilian, related to modern gharials. It lived in the Paleocene Period in Morocco. Described by Hua and Jouve in 2004, the type species is A. krebsi. Argochampsa and had a long narrow snout, and apparently marine in its behaviour.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process


AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 2471

Natural History - Argochampsa Fossil Crocodile Skull

Estimate £600 - 800€700 - 930 (for guidance only)$810 - 1,080 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Natural History - Polished Fossil Ichthyosaurus Vertical Vertebra Section
    Natural History - Polished Fossil Ichthyosaurus Vertical Vertebra Section
    Jurassic Period, 180 million years B.P.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £8

    Displaying one polished face containing vertebra section. 624 grams, 18.4 cm



    From Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK. Ex UK collection.

    Ichthyosaurs (from the Greek, meaning 'fish lizard') are extinct marine reptiles which resembled modern dolphins in appearance; the first complete UK specimen was found by the famous fossil hunter Mary Anning (1799-1847 AD) when she was just 12 years of age; the fossil she found is now in the Natural History Museum, London.

    Lot Details

  • Natural History - Mosasaur Fossil Tooth Group
    Natural History - Mosasaur Fossil Tooth Group
    Cretaceous Period, 145-65 million years B.P.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £20

    Of three teeth from Prognathodon sp., mosasaur specialised in eating tough shelled prey. 27 grams total, 32-35 mm



    UK collection since the 1990s. Property of a Sussex, UK, teacher.

    Lot Details

  • Natural History - Knightia Fossil Fish Group
    Natural History - Knightia Fossil Fish Group
    Eocene Period, 56-33 million years B.P.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £52

    Comprising seven complete and two partial Knightia alta fossil fish in a rectangular matrix. 373 grams, 15.3 x 9.8 cm

    Fine condition.

    Wyoming, Green River Formation, U.S.A. Acquired during the 1980s. From the Pradi Collection, Boston, U.S.A.

    Seasonally, some 56 million years ago, in the Green River Region of Wyoming, torrential rains fell on the mountains. The rain flowed down the mountain sides, forming wide shallow lakes in the valley below. During the dry season, these lakes evaporated (similar to certain parts of Africa today). Millions of fish died in this short period of time. This climatic cycle happened over a 20-thousand-year period. Layer upon layer of mud was deposited over these years, entombing huge numbers of fish. At a much later date volcanic activity uplifted this area to expose their fossils.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list