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·Real Fossil
Apateon Branchiosaur | 6cm Specimen
- Real Fossil
- 280 million years
- Ships worldwide
£135.00
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● In stock — dispatched within 3 working days (framed/customised piece)
This piece is hand-finished, so dispatch takes 1 additional working day.
An exquisite 280-million-year-old amphibian fossil from Odernheim, Germany. Housed in a museum-grade glass case for the discerning collector.
Specimen Details
Species
Apateon pedestris
Age
280 million years
Period
Lower Permian
Origin
Odernheim, Germany
Formation
Meisenheim Formation (implied by Odernheim locality)
Type
Genuine fossil
Display
Supplied in a 21cm glass display case; fragile—handle with care.
Listing
Exact specimen shown
About This Fossil
A remarkably delicate specimen of the prehistoric amphibian Apateon, a small branchiosaurid that thrived during the Lower Permian, long before the rise of the dinosaurs. This specimen, measuring 6cm from head to tail, offers a rare glimpse into the early evolution of tetrapods. Its salamander-like form is elegantly captured on a thin matrix, showcasing the fine skeletal structure and limbs of a creature that once navigated the freshwater environments of ancient Europe.
This particular fossil originates from a long-held private collection dating back to the 1970s. Such specimens from the classic Odernheim locality are increasingly rare on the market, especially within the UK. To ensure its preservation, the fossil is housed within a premium glass display case, providing both protection and an authoritative museum-style presentation for your home or office.
Formation & Preservation
This fossil was preserved within the fine-grained lacustrine (lake) sediments of the Saar-Nahe Basin. During the Permian, these lakes provided an ideal low-energy environment for fossilisation; as the amphibians perished, they were rapidly covered by anaerobic mud, preventing scavengers from disturbing the remains and allowing for exquisite anatomical detail to be retained.
What Makes This Specimen Special
This is a heritage piece with exceptional provenance, hailing from a 1970s private collection. Its rarity in the UK market and the inclusion of the bespoke glass display case make it a significant acquisition for any serious palaeontology enthusiast.
Authenticity & Sourcing
Real vs Replica
- This is a genuine fossil. Authenticity guaranteed in writing.
- You will receive the exact fossil shown in the photographs.
Ethical Sourcing
- Sourced from established, long-standing suppliers and known commercial sites — never protected, scientifically significant, or restricted localities.
- ✓We will not knowingly handle fossils removed in breach of any country's heritage or export laws.
Origin & Natural Variation
Stated origin (Odernheim, Germany) and formation (Meisenheim Formation (implied by Odernheim locality)) reflect the best information from our supplier and accepted geological literature. Where exact locality cannot be independently verified, we describe the formation rather than a single quarry.
Fossils are natural objects. Expect minor variation in colour, matrix, mineralisation, and surface detail. Any significant repair, restoration, or composite preparation is disclosed in the description — we never present restored areas as original without saying so.
Read our full authenticity guarantee or the authenticity & sourcing clause in our terms.
Shipping, Returns & Packaging
• UK shipping: Free on orders over £50. Standard £3.95.
• International: Available worldwide. Rates at checkout.
• Packaging: Individually wrapped, cushioned, and boxed. Fragile specimens receive extra protection.
• Dispatch: Usually within 1–2 working days.
• Returns: 30-day returns. Contact us first. Item must be in original condition.