The Middle Eocene oil-shales of Messel are unique in possessing a fortuitous combination of conditions, resulting in an exceptionally high percentage of fossil remains with soft tissue preservation. These same conditions necessitate an equally unique preparation technique. Findings were upon discovery, kept in wet newspapers until they reached the 'prep lab', where careful excavation exposed one side, at which time that surface was covered with a clear epoxy resin. After hardening, the other side was freed from its wet oil-shale matrix as well and that side was embedded in epoxy also. This is the only way the great detail of Messel fossils can be preserved. The result is perfect preservation.
The Messel site has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the first one in Germany and the only one designated strictly because of its fossils. The site is now closed to all but academic research and any examples can only be obtained from existing collections.
Diplocynodon darwini
Messel Pit, Darmstadt, Germany
Middle Eocene - 47 MYA
Matrix: ca. 25 x 100 cm, fossil: ca. 100 cm
An absolute rarity, one of a total of 50 discovered crocodiles of the species Diplocynodon darwini (including numerous incomplete). A complete specimen of impressive size. The bone structure came loose during embedding, and the dislocation gives the fossil its own "charm". According to our observations, it is the second Messel crocodile to be offered for selling in decades. A "perfect" one was sold lately at 200.000 €.
Offered on behalf of the owner.
Diplocynodon darwini
Messel Pit, Darmstadt, Germany
Middle Eocene - 47 MYA
Matrix: ca. 25 x 100 cm, fossil: ca. 100 cm
Absolute Rarität, eines von insgesamt 50 gefundenen Krokodilen der Spezies Diplocynodon
darwini (davon zahlreiche unvollständig). Komplettes Exemplar von stattlicher Größe. Seinen eigenem "Charme" verdankt das Fossil der disloziierten Einbettung seiner Knochen. Das zweite Messel-Krokodil, das nach unserer Beobachtung, seit Jahrzehnten zum Kauf angeboten wird. Ein "perfektes" wurde zuletzt für 200.000,- € versteigert.
Angeboten im Kundenauftrag.
Crocodiles from Messel are in high demand as an investment. A "perfect" specimen was auctioned at Koller in 2023 for 160 TEU, and sold for 200 TEU with buyer`s comission.
Because of the numerous armor plates covering the body, crocodiles have something especially prehistoric about them. These reptiles are in fact the last living members of the archosaurs (“ruling lizards”), a group that was especially successful in the Mesozoic and whose members include the dinosaurs and the flying reptiles, or pterosaurs. Archosaurs are distinguished by a number
of shared morphological traits, including peculiarities of skull morphology and dentition. Some
of the shared diagnostic characteristics, however, were modified in later forms, so that they are no longer so easily recognized. Crocodiles have been in existence for 230 million years. The early
forms were still landbound, and some were even bipedal. Today they are found particularly in inland waters of the tropics and occasionally the subtropics. Only the salt-water crocodile and the African slender-snouted crocodile venture into brackish water or shore areas of salt water -> more.
A geologist/paleontologist with in-depth expertise will be available to advise you. Your information will be treated confidentially.
We focus on just three fossil sites whose fossils we are extremely familiar with: Messel, Holzmaden, and Bundenbach. Here, we are familiar with (almost) all the peculiarities and the specific preparation requirements, and we are closely connected with collectors and scientists.
We have been monitoring the fossil market at home and abroad for decades at trade fairs, online, and at auctions. Our appraisals are in demand among leading insurance companies and private collectors. We draw on an extensive image and data archive for this purpose.
For us, paleontology is a passion, but also a responsibility. We only trade in pieces whose value we are convinced of. We do not conceal restorations. We also do not shy away from calling out fakes as such. Our condition reports are independent and reliable, accepted by leading auctioneers.
Especially for high-priced pieces, we recommend our customers to consider a commission-based brokerage at a fixed percentage, usually 20% if successful. In our experience, fossils we offer find buyers relatively quickly.
