Fine rare 19cm near-complete bird Messelornis cristata superb detail of limbs

Offered is a very rare 19cm partial bird. An extinct rail and a relative of modern gallinules and coots, preserved in very fine detail, including both complete and articulated legs with complete toes and claws and articulated wing bones. The specimen is preserved in approximate dorso-ventral compression; the articulated limbs shows the femur (rignt leg) knee joints; fused tibia and fibula and elongated bones of the ankle and two superb articulated and complete feet with individual phalanges and claws intact. The claws have the same structure of their theropod dinosaur ancestors.

Part of the neck is intact with elongated and articulated vertebrae and the left wing is fine and articulated Some of he right wing bones are present, but dis-articulated, and displaced to of the right of the specimen. Altogether a fascinating rare and very displayable legacy of Eocene life at a very affordable price! The item "Fine rare 19cm near-complete bird Messelornis cristata superb detail of limbs" is in sale since Saturday, March 13, 2021.

This item is in the category "Collectibles\Rocks, Fossils & Minerals\Fossils\Vertebrates\Birds". The seller is "ihjatefootball" and is located in Solihull. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Fossil bird: Eocene, Messel Pit, Germany

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