Loading, please wait...
LOT 2345
Natural History - Knightia Fossil Fish Plate
EOCENE PERIOD, 56-33 MILLION YEARS B.P.
5 3/4 in. (185 grams, 14.5 cm).
The rectangular matrix containing a large Knightia alta sp. specimen. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom Green River Formation, Wyoming, USA.
Ex Lincolnshire, UK, collection.
In southwest Wyoming (and parts of Colorado and Utah) in the Green River Formation are found some of the world's most outstanding specimens of fossil fish. The Green River system was composed of three lakes: Lake Ulinta, Lake Gosiute and Fossil Lake. These Eocene lakes lay in a series of intermountain basins formed by geological events that uplifted the Rocky Mountains during the early Tertiary time. The climate was much different from the desert-like climate of this area today. Both the fauna (crocodiles, alligators, boa constrictors and some subtropical fish families) and the flora (such as large palm trees) indicate a climate much like that found along the Gulf Coast today. Large amounts of ash found in the sediments indicate that volcanoes were particularly active at this time.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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.
-
Natural History - Knightia Fossil Fish
Eocene Period, circa 58 million years B.P.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
The rectangular matrix containing a Knightia alta fish. 233 grams, 14.6 cm
From Wyoming (Green River Formation), USA. Acquired during 1980s. From the Pradi Collection, Boston, U.S.A.
Seasonally some 58 million years ago, in the Green River region of Wyoming, torrential rains fell in the mountains. They flowed down the mountain sides, forming wide shallow lakes in the valley below. During the dry season, these lakes would dry up due to evaporation (as happens in 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 entombed all these fish. At a much later date, volcanic activity uplifted this area to expose the fossils. -
Natural History - Campo Del Cielo Iron Meteorite Pair
Fell 6000-5000 years B.P.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Comprising two amorphous Campo Del Cielo iron (IAB) meteorites. 3.21 grams total, 12-15 mm
From Chaco Province, Argentina, found 1576. Property of an East Sussex, UK, teacher.
A crater field of roughly 26 craters was found in the vicinity of this crater, which is estimated to date to 4-5 thousand years BP. The age of the meteorite itself is thought to be c.4.5 billion years, formed as part of the development of this solar system. The largest two fragments, the 30.8 ton Gancedo and 28.8 ton El Chaco, are among the heaviest meteorite masses ever recovered on Earth. In 1576, the governor of a province in Northern Argentina commissioned the military to search for a large mass of iron, which it was believed the local people claimed had fallen from the sky and which they used for their weapon production. The expedition discovered a large mass of metal which was assumed to be an iron mine and brought back a few samples, which were described as being of unusual purity. Following the legends, in 1774 Don Bartolomé Francisco de Maguna rediscovered the iron mass. He himself did not believe that the stone had fallen from the sky and assumed that it had formed by a volcanic eruption. However, he sent the samples to the Royal Society of London. In 1990 it became protected by law. -
Natural History - Large Polished Fossil Orthoceras Tower
Upper Devonian Period, circa 370 million years B.P.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Comprising a number of vertical Orthoceras sp. specimens on a freestanding matrix. 8.35 kg, 47 cm high
From the Atlas Mountains, Morocco, North Africa. Ex Lincolnshire, UK, collection.
