**First Time At Auction**

East Asia, China, Late Cretaceous Period, ca. 83 to 72 million years ago. A fossilized egg belonging to an Oviraptor! This dinosaur (Oviraptor philoceratops), was a type of ancient theropod dinosaur characterized by its three-toed limbs, hollow bones, toothless beak, and feathered body. The egg is elongated and retains much of the stone matrix it was preserved within. The characteristically textured shell fragments are an interesting look into the taxonomy of these prehistoric creatures and their young. Interestingly Oviraptor means "egg thief" - this name is rooted in a misunderstanding that came about when a fossilized oviraptor was discovered on a nest and assumed to be feeding on the eggs, rather than nurturing the brood. Size: 17.5" L x 12" W (44.4 cm x 30.5 cm) Size: 5.5" L x 4.5" W x 5" H (14 cm x 11.4 cm x 12.7 cm)

Lucite stand for photography purposes only.

Provenance: ex-Donald B. Saxman collection, Tomball, Texas, USA

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#146403

Large losses to exterior shell with small fragments remaining. Repaired with shell fragments reattached to the stone matrix and some glue adhesive residue visible. Large areas of stone matrix attached.