Allosaurus fragilis Claw
When we came back into possession of this specimen (from a collection a couple had aquired decades ago from Dave), we thought the piece was so perfect looking that it couldn't be true. So, we cleaned the specimen and indeed we discovered that although it's around 85% complete, the emanuel on 2-3 sections (as shown in the photos) was worn down. So, a preparer before Dave owned it had leveled those sections so it wouldn't have a strange surface variation, then re-colored it.
Three paleontologists agree that underneath those areas the specimen is all natural. What remains is just a minimal amount of area (indicated in red outline) which was repaired. After photographing it, we recolored the piece for aesthetic purposes, before photographing it again. So, even though this specimen with its repair is very nice we've discounted the price quite considerably. Before & after photos are shown.
Measurements: (On curve) ~ 3-5/8" Long x 1-1/2" Wide x 3/4" thick
Location: Morrison Formation,
Time Period: Late Jurassic / 150- 144 MYO
Allosaurus, meaning "different lizard" was a large theropod dinosaur which lived in abundance, predominantly in North America, during the Jurassic time period, some 150 million years ago. Allosaurus had a very muscular body and a massive jaw, filled with sharp serrated teeth which it wielded down upon its prey like an ax. However as Allosaurus' bite force was relatively weak compared to T-rex and other theropods, it is theorized the beast was only able to hold onto its prey with its short arms long enough to bite enough flesh for a meal, leaving its victim alive for future feeding. However, while hunting in packs, Allosaurus could eventually wear down its prey with enough bites to the point of exhaustion. Allosaurus fed not only upon herbivorous dinosaurs, but smaller theropods as well. Another well known dinosaur, named Stegosaurus, co-existed during the same time as Allosaurus. However, rarely would an Allosaurus risk a one-on-one battle with a full grown Stegosaurus. With Stegosaurus well armored plating and deadly spiked tail, those encounters would have been a toss up in regard to the outcome of a battle.