Giant reptile that terrorised the sea 100 million years ago could fetch 120000

It is up for auction next week

A ferocious 20ft-long sea predator that terrorised the seas up to 100 million years ago is expected to fetch up to £120,000 at auction.

The skeleton of a Tylosaur dating back to the late Cretaceous period is set to go under the hammer later this month.

The remains of the giant apex predator were discovered in Kansas and is one of the few specimens ever to have left the USA.

Rupert van der Werf, expert at Summers Place Auctions, said the Tylosaur was the “star of the show” at the auction house’s upcoming evolution sale.

Also expected to fetch a pretty penny – between £30,000 and £50,000 – is the skull of a Eurhinosaurus, a type of Ichthyosaur.

Dating from the Lower Jurassic period, Eurhinosaurs had a very long and slender upper jaw similar in many respects to today’s Swordfish.

Mr van der Werf added: “The second most valuable lot in the sale would actually fit in the palm of your hand.

“It’s a piece of Burmese amber that’s got a tetrapod preserved in it – a complete creature from 100 million years ago – which is phenomenal, the flesh, everything is there.”

The auction also features a rare Blue Bird of Paradise from the late 19th century, displayed under a glass dome.

This bird is known for its strange upside-down dance in which it displays its wonderful blue plumes, as featured in one of Sir David Attenborough’s most well-known pieces of filming.

It is expected to fetch between £12,000 and £18,000, while a huge polar bear could sell for up to £50,000.

The sale is to take place on November 23 at the auction house and online.

For more information visit: www.summersplaceauctions.com

Published: 19/11/2021 by Radio NewsHub