Natural History - Fossil Starfish Group

From Coelodonta antiquitatis, comprising the upper part of the skull from the frontal bone to the top of the nasal bone. 4.85 kg, 68 cm



Found Oxfordshire, UK, clay pits. Acquired from Peter Lawrance, Cotswolds, UK, in 2002. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.

The form of the woolly rhino’s skull and teeth had evolved to support its grazing lifestyle with its head dipped downwards towards the ground, even in its relaxed attitude. The skull is unusual in having both an extensively ossified nasal septum, probably evolved as a result of the heavy pressure on the horn and face when grazing, and a down-turned anterior region on the premaxilla that contacts the edge of the upper jaw. The shoulders were raised with a powerful hump, used to support the animal's massive front horn and also used for storing fat.

Comprising lacquered porphyry slices of irregular shapes, cut and polished on both sides, probably recycled material mined in ancient Roman times. 204 grams total, 11-20 cm



Mineral Imports, London, UK. Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd (Gregory's).

Comprising clusters of clear prismatic crystals on a matrix. 101 grams, 78 mm



Collected in person from various parts of the world mainly between 1957-1966. From the private mineral collection of Stephen Atkinson, Harpenden, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the vendor giving details of him collecting these minerals throughout his life.