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World Heritage Rarity: Fossil Primitive Bird from the Messel Pit
A Paleontological Treasure from a Famous Collection
We are proud to present an extraordinary fossil bird from the UNESCO World Heritage site Messel Pit, Germany. Due to their hollow, fragile bones, birds are among the rarest fossils in the world. Specimens from Messel are highly coveted by collectors, as this world-famous site has been strictly protected for decades, and private collecting is no longer permitted.
Scientific Jewel: Messel birds provide crucial insights into the early evolution of modern avian lineages shortly after the extinction of the dinosaurs. This specimen was discovered in the 1970s and originates from the estate of the renowned collector Otto Feist.
Expert Preparation: To preserve the extremely delicate bone structures, the fossil was secured using the complex resin transfer method. This technique ensures the eternal stability of the specimen, which would otherwise crumble if left in its original oil shale.
Product Details:
This specimen originates from the private estate of Otto Feist, a legendary figure in the history of the Messel Pit. In the 1970s and 80s, when the site was slated to become a landfill, Mr. Feist was a driving force in the movement to save this scientific treasure.
Otto Feist was a master of the transfer method. His expertise and passion ensured that countless specimens, which now reside in major museums, were saved for posterity. His extensive collection served as the foundation for the Fossilien- und Heimatmuseum Messel, to which he donated or loaned many of his most significant finds.
Do not miss this rare opportunity to acquire a piece of natural and collecting history!
A Paleontological Treasure from a Famous Collection
We are proud to present an extraordinary fossil bird from the UNESCO World Heritage site Messel Pit, Germany. Due to their hollow, fragile bones, birds are among the rarest fossils in the world. Specimens from Messel are highly coveted by collectors, as this world-famous site has been strictly protected for decades, and private collecting is no longer permitted.
Scientific Jewel: Messel birds provide crucial insights into the early evolution of modern avian lineages shortly after the extinction of the dinosaurs. This specimen was discovered in the 1970s and originates from the estate of the renowned collector Otto Feist.
Expert Preparation: To preserve the extremely delicate bone structures, the fossil was secured using the complex resin transfer method. This technique ensures the eternal stability of the specimen, which would otherwise crumble if left in its original oil shale.
Product Details:
- Species: Fossil bird. Detailed identification is pending; likely a "Messel Rail" (Messelornis cristata).
- Age: approx. 47 million years (Eocene).
- Location: Messel Pit (Grube Messel), Hesse, Germany.
- Condition: A largely complete skeleton including the skull. It is slightly disarticulated but features remarkable soft-tissue preservation (gastric contents, eye area). Parts of the leg bones and the beak tip were preserved as negatives and have been professionally color-enhanced to ensure visibility.
- Dimensions: The fossil measures approximately 16.5 x 12.5 cm (skull length approx. 4 cm). The unbroken matrix measures approximately 20 x 14.5 cm.
- Rarity: Bird fossils appear on the market far less frequently than fish
This specimen originates from the private estate of Otto Feist, a legendary figure in the history of the Messel Pit. In the 1970s and 80s, when the site was slated to become a landfill, Mr. Feist was a driving force in the movement to save this scientific treasure.
Otto Feist was a master of the transfer method. His expertise and passion ensured that countless specimens, which now reside in major museums, were saved for posterity. His extensive collection served as the foundation for the Fossilien- und Heimatmuseum Messel, to which he donated or loaned many of his most significant finds.
Do not miss this rare opportunity to acquire a piece of natural and collecting history!
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