AN IMPRESSIVE ALLOSAURUS DINOSAUR SKULL LATE JURASSIC PERIOD, WYOMING, USA

the ferocious carnivorous dinosaur with huge articulated jaws lined with about 65 curved teeth, the fierce skeleton raised on a metal stand supported on a wood base

This impressive allosaurus skull has been professionally assembled by an experienced team of European scientists and palaeontologists. It is extremely rare to assemble a skull with so much of the original elements intact, and the missing pieces have carefully been reproduced and incorporated into the skillful mounting of the skull. A diagram showing the detailed composition of the skull is available upon request, and clearly shows that over ½ the original elements are preserved. The left profile as shown in the main double-page image in the catalogue is particularly intact, with up to 2/3 in place. This compares very favourably with other dinosaur skulls preserved in museum collections. For those in private hands, it is extraordinary to find an example so intact. The overall condition is stable, with just expected bruises and surface wear, especially at the teeth and other fragile extremities.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A T-rex of the Jurassic period, the Allosaurus is a kind of dinosaur belonging to the subordinate group of Theropodas that lived 153 to 135 million years ago. Its first fossils were discovered in 1877 by Othniel Charles Marsh. The Allosaurus, which etymologically means 'the other lizard', a term coming from the Greek 'allos' (different, strange) and 'sauros' (lizard). It was a slightly smaller version of the Tyrannosaurus Rex. 

Ferocious, carnivorous, and probably much more agile than its larger cousin, the Allosaurus' main weapon was its teeth, as evidenced by this enormous skull. They all curved backwards so the predator could bite down on its prey and prevent it from escaping (the same principle used with fish hooks), and they grew back immediately if the allosaur lost one during a fight.

Three razor-sharp claws on each hand enabled it to grip and tear at its prey. Feeding on herbivores such as sauropods, its enormous gaping jaws could open wide enough to swallow large chunks of meat. Allosaurus used its short forearms, each equipped with three deadly claws, to hold its victim down and rip it apart. Its long, powerful legs ended with four clawed toes, one pointing backwards. The skull has small triangular 'horns' directly above the eye sockets. Estimated to have weighed several tonnes when it was alive, the impressive and terrifying Allosaurus was one of the biggest predators of the Late Jurassic period, roaming what is modern-day North America 153-135 million years ago. It was another 50 million years before tyrannosaurids (T-rex) appeared and replaced them in the food chain. The specimen here is presented on a wooden plinth. It has been scientifically prepared by a team of European scientists and palaeontologists, and has been mounted using the very latest techniques. It is extremely rare to see carnivorous dinosaur skulls for sale legally, and this particular piece, which complies fully with UNESCO legislation, is rarer still due to its size.  This explains why the rest of the skeleton is missing, as the bones will be spread out over a greater area and the skull will be further away from the rest of its body. A beautiful size and traditionally restored given its age. A perfect example of these prehistoric beasts, which have entered popular imagination in the guise of dragons - the mythical creatures found in cultures all around the world.

You may have heard the expression 'a treasure of humanity', which is sometimes used to refer to objects that do not quite reach these lofty heights. However, with this lot, we present to you a monumental object – a impressive Allosaurus skull – that is fully deserving of the title.