Prehistoric Fossil Display Collection | Cambrian Trilobites, Fossil Fish, Shark Teeth & Brachiosaurus Skull Replica
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Various geological localities; exact collecting locations unrecorded
Material: Fossilized marine organisms and sedimentary stone, presented with a hand-painted polyresin Brachiosaurus skull replica
Period: Cambrian through Cenozoic fossil specimens; modern Brachiosaurus display model
Description
An extensive natural-history display collection combining fossilized marine life, a fossil fish, fossiliferous stone specimens, and a detailed quarter-scale Brachiosaurus skull-and-jaws replica.
The fossils are arranged inside a hinged black presentation case with a glass viewing lid and black velvet-lined interior. Several specimens remain mounted on their older cream-coloured collection cards, complete with handwritten and printed identifications. These labels are an important part of the collection’s display history and have intentionally been preserved.
The display case contains the following:
1. Multi-Specimen Cambrian Trilobite Matrix
An irregular gray stone matrix containing two prominent, largely complete trilobite exoskeletons accompanied by several partial trilobite remains and impressions. The segmented thoraxes, raised central axes, head shields, and tail sections remain clearly visible. The specimen is mounted on an older cream-coloured card handwritten Cambrian Trilobites and 500 Million Years Old.
2. Small Individual Cambrian Trilobite
A compact oval trilobite specimen displaying a rounded cephalon, segmented thorax, central axial ridge, and small tail shield. It remains mounted on its older commercially printed card reading Cambrian Trilobite and 500 Million Years Old. The card shows considerable toning and wear, contributing to its vintage educational character.
3. Large Individual Cambrian Trilobite
A larger prepared trilobite specimen with a broad head shield, strongly defined central axis, numerous transverse thoracic segments, and rounded tail section. It remains attached to an older white collection card handwritten Cambrian Trilobite and 500 Million Years Old.
4. Articulated Fossil Fish in Limestone
A small articulated fossil fish preserved in a rectangular pale limestone slab. The specimen displays the skull, vertebral column, rib structure, fin rays, and forked tail. Its appearance is comparable to the small freshwater fish fossils commonly associated with the Eocene Green River Formation, although its precise species and collecting locality are not recorded. Natural fissures, preparation marks, and areas of matrix loss remain visible throughout the slab.
5. Collection of 34 Fossil Shark Teeth and Fragments
Thirty-four individual fossil shark teeth and tooth fragments are arranged across the lower portion of the case. The group includes broad triangular crowns, narrow lanceolate teeth, curved examples, complete teeth retaining portions of their roots, and naturally worn fragments. Their surfaces vary from dark gray and black to cream, tan, reddish brown, and pale ochre.
The variation in shape indicates that the group likely includes teeth from several different positions within the jaws and possibly more than one shark type. Their exact species, geological age, and collecting locality cannot be established without the original geological information. An older handwritten paper label reading Fossil Shark Teeth remains beneath the group.
6. Pale Fossiliferous Limestone Specimen
A large rounded section of pale fossiliferous limestone or coquina densely composed of compacted marine shell fragments, crystalline material, and several larger inclusions. The exposed surface records an ancient shell-rich marine deposit in which accumulated biological remains were naturally compressed and cemented into stone.
7. Gray-Brown Fossiliferous Stone
A second rounded sedimentary specimen containing partially exposed shell molds, curved organic impressions, and cross-sections of fossil material. Its water-worn exterior and partially obscured inclusions illustrate how fossils may remain embedded within their original geological matrix rather than being fully prepared or extracted.
Accompanying the fossil case is a quarter-scale Brachiosaurus skull-and-jaws display replica. The hand-painted polyresin model recreates the dinosaur’s elongated skull, elevated nasal region, large cranial openings, articulated lower jaw, and individual teeth. It is mounted above a dark-finished wooden display base fitted with a brass plaque reading Brachiosaurus Skull & Jaws and 1/4 Scale.
The Brachiosaurus model is a modern educational replica and is not an original dinosaur fossil.
Features
- Three separate Cambrian trilobite presentations
- Multi-specimen trilobite matrix with partial remains and impressions
- Articulated fossil fish preserved in pale limestone
- Thirty-four fossil shark teeth and tooth fragments
- Two substantial fossiliferous marine limestone specimens
- Hinged glass-topped presentation case with velvet-lined interior
- Quarter-scale hand-painted Brachiosaurus skull-and-jaws replica
- Dark-finished wooden model base with brass identification plaque
- Older printed and handwritten specimen cards preserved in place
- Additional older inventory labels retained on the reverse of the Brachiosaurus base
Cultural Significance
Trilobites were marine arthropods that first appeared during the Cambrian Period, approximately 538–485 million years ago. Their hard segmented exoskeletons fossilized readily, making them among the most recognizable representatives of early complex marine life.
Fossil shark teeth provide evidence of prehistoric marine ecosystems and the continual replacement of teeth throughout a shark’s lifetime. Their ages are normally established through the geological sediments and associated fossils in which they were discovered; consequently, the age of loose teeth cannot be determined reliably without collecting records.
The Brachiosaurus model represents one of the most celebrated sauropod dinosaurs of the Late Jurassic Period. Its inclusion transforms the assemblage into a broad educational display spanning early marine arthropods, prehistoric fishes and sharks, and the great terrestrial dinosaurs.
Condition
The fossils are presented in good collected and educational display condition. Natural fissures, mineral deposits, matrix losses, weathering, chips, preparation marks, and incomplete areas are present throughout. Several shark teeth have naturally worn crowns, missing roots, or small edge losses.
The fossil fish slab has visible cracks, matrix separation, edge wear, and areas of loss. The trilobites may display historical preparation, stabilization, restoration, or surface enhancement of the type commonly encountered on commercially prepared fossil specimens; the precise extent cannot be determined from photographs alone.
The older specimen cards exhibit toning, staining, creasing, worn corners, small tears, and handwritten additions. These labels are intentionally retained as part of the collection’s history and should not be removed.
The glass-topped case displays expected surface wear and minor scuffing but remains presentable. The Brachiosaurus replica is in good display condition with light surface wear and minor marks to its base. Its brass plaque remains attached. Two older adhesive inventory labels survive on the reverse of the base: one is handwritten SA, while the second is partially lost and no longer fully legible.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Fossil Display Case
Length: 14.5 in
Width: 8.25 in
Depth: 2.25 in
Brachiosaurus Skull Replica
Width: 7 in
Height: 8.5 in
Depth: 4 in
Age (Approximate)
Cambrian Trilobites: 500 million years old, as identified by the retained labels
Fossil Fish: Likely Eocene, circa 50 million years old, subject to confirmation of its collecting locality
Shark Teeth and Fossiliferous Stone Specimens: Geological ages undetermined
Brachiosaurus Skull: Modern quarter-scale replica representing a dinosaur that lived circa 150 million years ago
Provenance
Formerly part of a private natural-history collection in Goffstown, New Hampshire, USA.
The fossils retain their original arrangement together with multiple older identification cards and labels. These include a handwritten Cambrian Trilobites – 500 Million Years Old card, a printed Cambrian Trilobite – 500 Million Years Old card, a second handwritten Cambrian Trilobite – 500 Million Years Old card, and a handwritten Fossil Shark Teeth label.
The Brachiosaurus replica retains its original brass quarter-scale identification plaque and two older adhesive inventory labels on the reverse of the base. One is marked SA, while the other survives only partially. All labels remain with the collection and provide tangible evidence of its earlier cataloguing, handling, and educational presentation.
Learn More
Learn more about trilobites and their success in prehistoric oceans through the Natural History Museum
Discover fossil fish from the Green River Formation through the National Park Service
Explore our Collection of Science, Exploration and Curiosities
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Various geological localities; exact collecting locations unrecorded
Material: Fossilized marine organisms and sedimentary stone, presented with a hand-painted polyresin Brachiosaurus skull replica
Period: Cambrian through Cenozoic fossil specimens; modern Brachiosaurus display model
Description
An extensive natural-history display collection combining fossilized marine life, a fossil fish, fossiliferous stone specimens, and a detailed quarter-scale Brachiosaurus skull-and-jaws replica.
The fossils are arranged inside a hinged black presentation case with a glass viewing lid and black velvet-lined interior. Several specimens remain mounted on their older cream-coloured collection cards, complete with handwritten and printed identifications. These labels are an important part of the collection’s display history and have intentionally been preserved.
The display case contains the following:
1. Multi-Specimen Cambrian Trilobite Matrix
An irregular gray stone matrix containing two prominent, largely complete trilobite exoskeletons accompanied by several partial trilobite remains and impressions. The segmented thoraxes, raised central axes, head shields, and tail sections remain clearly visible. The specimen is mounted on an older cream-coloured card handwritten Cambrian Trilobites and 500 Million Years Old.
2. Small Individual Cambrian Trilobite
A compact oval trilobite specimen displaying a rounded cephalon, segmented thorax, central axial ridge, and small tail shield. It remains mounted on its older commercially printed card reading Cambrian Trilobite and 500 Million Years Old. The card shows considerable toning and wear, contributing to its vintage educational character.
3. Large Individual Cambrian Trilobite
A larger prepared trilobite specimen with a broad head shield, strongly defined central axis, numerous transverse thoracic segments, and rounded tail section. It remains attached to an older white collection card handwritten Cambrian Trilobite and 500 Million Years Old.
4. Articulated Fossil Fish in Limestone
A small articulated fossil fish preserved in a rectangular pale limestone slab. The specimen displays the skull, vertebral column, rib structure, fin rays, and forked tail. Its appearance is comparable to the small freshwater fish fossils commonly associated with the Eocene Green River Formation, although its precise species and collecting locality are not recorded. Natural fissures, preparation marks, and areas of matrix loss remain visible throughout the slab.
5. Collection of 34 Fossil Shark Teeth and Fragments
Thirty-four individual fossil shark teeth and tooth fragments are arranged across the lower portion of the case. The group includes broad triangular crowns, narrow lanceolate teeth, curved examples, complete teeth retaining portions of their roots, and naturally worn fragments. Their surfaces vary from dark gray and black to cream, tan, reddish brown, and pale ochre.
The variation in shape indicates that the group likely includes teeth from several different positions within the jaws and possibly more than one shark type. Their exact species, geological age, and collecting locality cannot be established without the original geological information. An older handwritten paper label reading Fossil Shark Teeth remains beneath the group.
6. Pale Fossiliferous Limestone Specimen
A large rounded section of pale fossiliferous limestone or coquina densely composed of compacted marine shell fragments, crystalline material, and several larger inclusions. The exposed surface records an ancient shell-rich marine deposit in which accumulated biological remains were naturally compressed and cemented into stone.
7. Gray-Brown Fossiliferous Stone
A second rounded sedimentary specimen containing partially exposed shell molds, curved organic impressions, and cross-sections of fossil material. Its water-worn exterior and partially obscured inclusions illustrate how fossils may remain embedded within their original geological matrix rather than being fully prepared or extracted.
Accompanying the fossil case is a quarter-scale Brachiosaurus skull-and-jaws display replica. The hand-painted polyresin model recreates the dinosaur’s elongated skull, elevated nasal region, large cranial openings, articulated lower jaw, and individual teeth. It is mounted above a dark-finished wooden display base fitted with a brass plaque reading Brachiosaurus Skull & Jaws and 1/4 Scale.
The Brachiosaurus model is a modern educational replica and is not an original dinosaur fossil.
Features
- Three separate Cambrian trilobite presentations
- Multi-specimen trilobite matrix with partial remains and impressions
- Articulated fossil fish preserved in pale limestone
- Thirty-four fossil shark teeth and tooth fragments
- Two substantial fossiliferous marine limestone specimens
- Hinged glass-topped presentation case with velvet-lined interior
- Quarter-scale hand-painted Brachiosaurus skull-and-jaws replica
- Dark-finished wooden model base with brass identification plaque
- Older printed and handwritten specimen cards preserved in place
- Additional older inventory labels retained on the reverse of the Brachiosaurus base
Cultural Significance
Trilobites were marine arthropods that first appeared during the Cambrian Period, approximately 538–485 million years ago. Their hard segmented exoskeletons fossilized readily, making them among the most recognizable representatives of early complex marine life.
Fossil shark teeth provide evidence of prehistoric marine ecosystems and the continual replacement of teeth throughout a shark’s lifetime. Their ages are normally established through the geological sediments and associated fossils in which they were discovered; consequently, the age of loose teeth cannot be determined reliably without collecting records.
The Brachiosaurus model represents one of the most celebrated sauropod dinosaurs of the Late Jurassic Period. Its inclusion transforms the assemblage into a broad educational display spanning early marine arthropods, prehistoric fishes and sharks, and the great terrestrial dinosaurs.
Condition
The fossils are presented in good collected and educational display condition. Natural fissures, mineral deposits, matrix losses, weathering, chips, preparation marks, and incomplete areas are present throughout. Several shark teeth have naturally worn crowns, missing roots, or small edge losses.
The fossil fish slab has visible cracks, matrix separation, edge wear, and areas of loss. The trilobites may display historical preparation, stabilization, restoration, or surface enhancement of the type commonly encountered on commercially prepared fossil specimens; the precise extent cannot be determined from photographs alone.
The older specimen cards exhibit toning, staining, creasing, worn corners, small tears, and handwritten additions. These labels are intentionally retained as part of the collection’s history and should not be removed.
The glass-topped case displays expected surface wear and minor scuffing but remains presentable. The Brachiosaurus replica is in good display condition with light surface wear and minor marks to its base. Its brass plaque remains attached. Two older adhesive inventory labels survive on the reverse of the base: one is handwritten SA, while the second is partially lost and no longer fully legible.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Fossil Display Case
Length: 14.5 in
Width: 8.25 in
Depth: 2.25 in
Brachiosaurus Skull Replica
Width: 7 in
Height: 8.5 in
Depth: 4 in
Age (Approximate)
Cambrian Trilobites: 500 million years old, as identified by the retained labels
Fossil Fish: Likely Eocene, circa 50 million years old, subject to confirmation of its collecting locality
Shark Teeth and Fossiliferous Stone Specimens: Geological ages undetermined
Brachiosaurus Skull: Modern quarter-scale replica representing a dinosaur that lived circa 150 million years ago
Provenance
Formerly part of a private natural-history collection in Goffstown, New Hampshire, USA.
The fossils retain their original arrangement together with multiple older identification cards and labels. These include a handwritten Cambrian Trilobites – 500 Million Years Old card, a printed Cambrian Trilobite – 500 Million Years Old card, a second handwritten Cambrian Trilobite – 500 Million Years Old card, and a handwritten Fossil Shark Teeth label.
The Brachiosaurus replica retains its original brass quarter-scale identification plaque and two older adhesive inventory labels on the reverse of the base. One is marked SA, while the other survives only partially. All labels remain with the collection and provide tangible evidence of its earlier cataloguing, handling, and educational presentation.
Learn More
Learn more about trilobites and their success in prehistoric oceans through the Natural History Museum
Discover fossil fish from the Green River Formation through the National Park Service
Explore our Collection of Science, Exploration and Curiosities
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