"Mummified" Hadrosaurid Dinosaur Vertebrae & Tail Section New Genus/New...

"Mummified" Hadrosaurid Dinosaur Vertebrae & Tail Section New Genus/New Species of Hadrosaur Late Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation Harding County, South Dakota, USA There is no shortage of superlatives to describe this fossil specimen, which is truly remarkable for any number of reasons. While this massive vertebral and tail section from a Hadrosaur is incredibly long, measuring over 20 feet (6 meters), it is the presence of huge sections of extremely rare fossilized skin and tendons that make this such an incomparable specimen. Dating back to the Late Cretaceous, and having come out of the renowned Hell Creek Formation in Harding County, South Dakota, informally known as the "T-rex Capital of the World," this fully articulated, partial specimen is superb. This level and extent of "mummified" preservation is virtually unheard of in such vertebrate fossils. Although a likely identification of this Dinosaur is Edmontosaurus, it is conjectured that this represents not only a new species but even, potentially, a new genus of Hadrosaur. In addition to these amazing facts about this singular fossil, the remains indicate possible scars or bite marks that could indicate the tail section was used in a defensive manner and could have been bitten by a T-rex in battle. Recovery, after the discovery in 1999 of the fossil on private lands in the Jump-Off Ranch, this specimen was expertly prepared and curated, with the representation most recently having been on display at the Brazos County Museum of Natural History in Bryan, Texas. This is likely one of the largest amounts of fossilized Dinosaur skin ever recovered and, of course, may indeed be a yet unknown variety. This is without question a museum quality offering on all counts with a size, aesthetics, and rarity worthy of any Natural History institution. The specimen consists of segments of fused light brown bone which is presented on a custom base of black metal armatures that hold various parts of the Dinosaur fossil. Breakdown and installation are all easy, and the piece, when displayed in its mounting, is captivating and constantly draws major attention. Overall Measurements: 250.50 x 55.25 x 19.00 inches (636.27 x 140.33 x 48.26 cm) HID09710052018 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved