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LOT 1863
Natural History - Knightia Fossil Fish
EOCENE PERIOD, 56-33 MILLION YEARS B.P.
5 1/8 x 3 3/4 in. (277 grams, 13 x 9.5 cm).
A Knightia alta fossil fish in matrix. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom 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.
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:
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Natural History - 'Spartan Basalt' Polished Green Porphyry Section
Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
A large cut section of green porphyry mined in Greece, possibly in ancient Roman times. 1.22 kg, 18.1 cm
From Greece. Mineral Imports, London, UK. Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd (Gregory's).
Also known as Lapis Lacedaemonius and Porfido Verde Antico, a type of green porphyry quarried in Greece. Spartan basalt is a form of andesite or volcanic rock known today only from a single source in the village of Krokees on the Peloponnese in Greece. In addition, ancient sources mention a quarry of Lapis Lacedaemonius in Taygetus. -
Natural History - Fossil Enchodus Jaw
Cretaceous Period, 67-65 million years B.P.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
The fossilised remains of a Enchodus sp. ray-finned fish jaw, including a number of slender teeth; in an oblong matrix retaining its plaster field jacket. 3.7 kg, 40 cm
Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
Enchodus is an extinct genus of aulopiform ray-finned fish related to lancetfish and lizardfish. -
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Natural History - Sikhote-Alin Meteorite
Fell 12th February 1947 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
A section of Sikhote-Alin meteorite, showing the characteristic outer surfaces. 6.9 grams, 22 mm
Fine condition.
From Primorye, Russia. Ex private Shropshire, UK collection. Accompanied by an information slip.
The Sikhote-Alin meteorite fell during daylight at 10:38 am local time on 12th February, 1947. Witnesses reported a fireball that was brighter than the sun. It came from about 15 degrees east of north and descended at an angle of 41 degrees. It left a trail of smoke and dust 20 miles long which lingered for several hours. Light and sound from the fall were observed for two hundred miles around the point of impact.
