Harpes perradiatus
Trilobites Order Harpetida, Family Harpetidae
Geological Time: Middle Devonian
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Trilobite is 46 mm long by 28 mm wide on an 80 by 75 mm matrix.matrix
Fossil Site: Jebel Issoumour, Morocco
Code: 14050
Price: Sold
 Description:
Looking like some Devonian copy of the Starship Enterprise, this
elegant example is a member of the newly-erected (2002) Order Harpetida,
with many fine details present. Notice the fine pitting of the
preglabellar ring. This one was well able to stay at the surface
of the seafloor by virtue of the dramatically curving “shield”.
Most are found preserved with the thorax and pygidium somewhat
enrolled beneath the cephalic shield, but this one is quite prone.
With the advent of a reliable source of electricity in Morocco,
the quality of preparation has improved dramatically over the past
few years. 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. This specimen is truly stunning
when viewed from any aspect, and is destined to become the a welcome
addition to any collection, public or private. This one was prepared
by one of the paramount craftsmen of his trade, an individual with
25 years of experience in freeing these wondrous trilobites from
the entombing rock. Such painstaking preparation requires long
hours of work, affording a most desirable example of this unusual
trilobite. |
