North Africa, early Cretaceous (Lower Albian to Lower Cenomanian), ca. 112 to 97 million years ago. This is a claw from the amazing Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, one of the more enigmatic dinosaurs but one of the largest terrestrial carnivores, reaching lengths of 15 to 16 meters (49 to 52 ft)! This is a grasping hand claw of a large specimen; from its original dagger like tip to the proximal end, this sickle shaped claw is 100% complete and original, in impeccable preservation. The claw has been professionally cleaned in a lab to reveal its shallow grooves and remarkable condition. The color is a lovely sienna and ochre yellow hue, and a stunning example of the killer claws that were capable of holding prey and tearing flesh. Size of claw: 4.75" L x 1.5" W (12.1 cm x 3.8 cm); case: 7" L x 7" W (17.8 cm x 17.8 cm)

The Spinosaurus is a genus of the theropod dinosaur which lived in what is now North Africa, from the lower Albian to lower Cenomanian states of the Cretaceous period, they are the largest known carnivorous dinosaur and one of the most mysterious to scientists, despite having first been discovered in Egypt in 1912. Spinosaurus literally means "spine lizard," and had long spines growing from its back vertebrae which formed a sail - they were up to 7 feet long! Recent evidence suggests that this was the first dinosaur that we know of who was able to swim, with short hind limbs like early whales and a long and slender snout with teeth perfect for catching food in the water. It lived in the swampy environment of Cretaceous North Africa, feeding on sawfish, sharks, large lungfish, and even giant coelacanths.

Provenance: private Berthoud, Colorado, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167922

Professionally prepared. Excellent condition and only minor surface wear. Displayed in case.