‡ ICHTHYOSAUR (STENOPTERYGIUS SP)
TOARCIAN, LOWER JURASSIC
(ca. 195 MA)
Holzmaden, Germany
approx 212cm high, 280cm wide, 90cm deep (including stand)
Ichthyosaurs, a group of extinct marine reptiles, were among the first fossils to be scientifically discovered and described in Europe. The earliest finds date back to the late 17th century in the United Kingdom, marking a significant moment in the history of palaeontology.
In 1811, Mary Anning, along with her brother Joseph, made a ground breaking discovery in Lyme Regis along the Jurassic Coast of Dorset-one of the earliest and most complete Ichthyosaur specimens ever found. This fossil was later described in the first scientific publication dedicated to the species, a pivotal moment in the history of paleontological research. Mary Anning (1799-1847), an English fossil collector, dealer, and self-taught palaeontologist, became internationally renowned for her numerous fossil discoveries along the cliffs of Lyme Regis. Her work laid the foundations for many important advancements in the study of prehistoric life and the Earth's ancient history. Despite the scientific importance of her contributions, Anning was excluded from formal recognition due to the gender biases of her time. She was not allowed to join the Geological Society of London, nor did she receive the credit she deserved during her lifetime. However, in 2010, 163 years after her death, the Royal Society finally acknowledged her profound impact by naming her one of the ten British women who most influenced the history of science.
While the United Kingdom remains a historically significant site for the discovery of Ichthyosaur fossils, it is in Germany, specifically in the Konservat-Lagerstätte of the Posidonia Shale at Holzmaden, that some of the most extraordinary and exceptionally preserved specimens have been found. These fossil beds, dating to the Early and Middle Jurassic periods, are renowned for their exceptional preservation conditions, providing some of the most complete and remarkable Ichthyosaur specimens ever discovered. The two specimens offered in this auction originate from this renowned site, dating back approximately 180 million years. The exceptional preservation of these fossils makes them highly prized among collectors and institutions alike, as they offer invaluable insights into the prehistoric world.
Ichthyosaur fossils that are presented "on slab," meaning they are shown as they were found in the fossil beds with the bones still embedded in the surrounding rock matrix, are among the most coveted specimens in the natural history auction market. These fossils are highly sought after, not only because of their historical and scientific significance but also for the impressive display of preservation they represent. Over the years, such fossils have consistently fetched remarkable prices at high-end natural history sales, a testament to their allure and rarity. The two Ichthyosaur specimens in this sale have been carefully selected for their outstanding preservation and represent some of the finest examples of their kind.
The "flat" preservation of these fossils, with the bones deeply embedded within the matrix, presents significant challenges in preparation. Transforming these fossils into three-dimensional specimens requires specialized expertise and the use of highly sophisticated techniques. Only a select number of specialized fossil preparation labs around the world possess the skill and resources necessary to undertake such delicate work. Among these, Zoic, a renowned Italian company, stands out for its exceptional ability to prepare fossils with precision. Zoic's previous work includes the preparation of "Anna," a complete, three-dimensional skeleton of an Ophthalmosaurus-an Ichthyosaur from the Middle Jurassic of Kansas, USA. The extraordinary preservation and scientific value of these specimens, combined with the specialized labour involved in their preparation, make them truly remarkable objects of study and admiration in the field of palaeontology.
These specimens, with their unparalleled preservation and historical significance, represent not only a fascinating window into Earth's distant past but also a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire pieces of natural history that are both scientifically important and stunningly beautiful.
■ After the sale this lot will remain at Parnham Park, Beaminster, DT8 3LZ, where it will be available for collection