Prehistoric Planet Store - Replica fossils including dinosaurs like T. rex, Triceratops, and more!

Archaeopteryx lithographicia, Eichstatt Specimen A side

Side A. See item 1398 for Side B or item 1399 for both Side A&B

Found near Workerszell in 1951, it was described by P. Wellnhofer in 1974. This is the smallest of all the specimens, being some 2/3 the size of the others. It also differs in other aspects such as the tooth structure and the poorly ossified shoulder bones. It has been suggested that this is a separate genus, however the differences can also be ascribed to the possible juvenile stage of the animal and/or a different feeding niche. However, this specimen has the best preserved head, from which the litany of Archae's reptilian cranial features were described. At the moment it still resides within A.lithographica.

What has reptilian teeth, a long bony tail, three clawed fingers on each forearm and...feathers? Archaeopteryx, of course. Sometimes referred to as the first bird we now understand Archaeopteryx to be part of a group related to the ancestors of modern birds. While Archaeopteryx had true feathers and could fly, the creature was mostly dinosaurian in form.

Fewer than ten skeletons of Archaeopteryx have ever been found. Of these, the most famous is on exhibit at the Humboldt University Museum of Natural History in Berlin. Found in 1877 in German's Solnhofen Limestone, the Berlin specimen remains the best preserved Archaeopteryx of those so far discovered. From the claws and feathers on the wings to the teeth in the tiny skull, the Berlin skeleton is a window on bird evolution.

We're proud to present an accurate replica of this famous skeleton. Of the many copies of the Archaeopteryx specimen available, few reflect the original's detail and color as well as this replica.

Comes with a hanger on the back for easy hanging. About 4 pounds.

The last photo shows both Side A & B

Click each photo to enlarge then click again to enlarge even more.