Bird skeleton, Messel pit

This partial skeleton of a bird Messelornis cristata comes from the world famous Eocene sediments of the 
Messel Pit near Darmstadt in Germany.

As with all fossils from this site, this piece was prepared using the resin transfer method for 
permanent preservation.

Fossils from this site are rare and are seldom offered for sale because the site has been under 
strict protection for several decades (UNESCO World Natural Heritage). All of the fossils on the 
market were found in the late 1970s, and searches have not been possible since then.

The plate measures approximately 17 x 13 cm - all original, no manipulations!