SPECTACULAR Spine-on-Spine Ceratarges Museum Trilobite

Description: This trilobite is a member of the Order Lichida, Family Lichida from the Devonian deposits of Mrakib, Morocco known commercially as the Spine-on-spine Ceratarges. There are several examples of the genus, with this one termed Ceratrages spinosus by the commercial community. To my knowledge it has not yet received a species name. ALL spines have been prepared freestanding on the cephalon as well as those on the axial, and pleural lobes, as well as the pygidial spines making for a dramatic display with numerous freestanding spines, affording a spectacular example that should never need upgrading. With the advent of a reliable source of electricity in Morocco, the quality of preparation has improved dramatically over the past few years. This one took a great deal of effort to prepare all the pleural spines free of matrix, and to my knowledge is the first completely freestanding example offered. While I used to refer to trilobites prepared in a mode similar to this as flying, I feel a new term is warranted by the preparation now coming into vogue. As icing on the cake, even the hypostome can be seen from the underside. This specimen is truly stunning when viewed from any aspect, and is destined to become the cornerstone of any collection, public or private. (I apologize for the less-than-esthetic photography while still in the shipping container, but discretion was the better part of valor with all the spines). The many hours taken to prepare such as stunning example is not without cost, but I am sure you will agree it is well worth it. See my other offerings for a more economical example in which the pleural spines are still encased in matrix.