Famous George Lee Collection Superb Highly Original Mesohippus Horse Skull with Skeleton

Description

Species: Mesohippus bairdi (Oligocene Horse ) Species description: These horses were small and about the size of a greyhound with a body 4 ft long, 2 ft high at the shoulder and larger than its predecessor Eohippus. They were short-legged, herbivores that lived by grazing. This animal is very rare compared to other Oligocene animals. They lived in the American West 35-23MYA. They were food for saber-tooth cats and hyaenodons for millions of years. They had 3 toes front and back. It looked like a modern horse except a lot smaller. Geological strata: Brule Formation Geological period: Oligocene Period 34-23 MYA Item Location: AB Ranch- Shannon County , South Dakota Item rating and description: (1-10) **9.7** Beautiful X-Fine Large 8 1/2”Oligocene Mesohippus Skull with Much of the Skeleton Highly Original. This was in the George Lee Collection who I admire, and I have many, many of his pieces. The skull is really amazing with very high % originality except for front incisors and a few spots on the skull. There is so little restore -on skull only- as the head is in matrix that is true matrix with many bones on both sides of the matrix at original spots it was found on with beautiful skeleton very complete. Mostly full bones, all skeleton, as George so loved to keep as original as possible. He prepped this piece and amazing facets of this skeleton and skull is exceptional with most of both sides of the skull showing out of matrix except under lower jaws and the very front on one side. Dynamite bones on both with at least 75-80 % of skeleton present due to almost all full legs showing, 2 feet with hooves on all of one and few on the other with one foot and leg bones being so beautifully prepped and laid down after death. All of the pelvic bones appear present which is so rare and even many of the ribs and all bones totally original. It is 19” long with skeletal parts all over the slab including the side. The beauty, detail, and bone quality of this animal is simply fantastic!! Just one glance, I had to have it as it is so outstanding. The prep work is so extremely good. It displays well on the matrix and bone quality is one of best I have ever had. This is an adult horse and is the top horse I have ever owned so all you horse lovers line up for this one. These are hard to get so completely original as most have the front completely restored due to saber cat attacks, so you will not find a better one! My wife loves this piece and doubt I’ll ever sell it. You can try to get it but it better be an outstanding offer. It’s just too good. This Fossil is Worth a Fortune!!!!