Description

Species: Spiniscabrella struvei [See Homalonotidae on Wikipedia]
Age: Devonian
Locality: Morocco

Measurements: c. 23 cm (!) long trilobite
Weight: 6 kg (protective box included)

Spiniscabrella struvei is one of the Holy Grails of Moroccan palaeontology. There is no other trilobite of this kind in the Devonian of Morocco, for this is the largest and spiniest species occurring. Most of the few good specimens that reach the market are either compositions or heavily restored. This specimen is superb, authentic, not a composition, and well-prepared. The pygidium was repositioned during preparation, a common procedure for Spiniscabrella. Of course, perfect specimens don’t exist, and while this one stands out, it shows restorations. (1) The long pygidial spines were reconstructed and (2) UV-light inspection revealed a few areas on the pygidium and cephalon that could be slightly restored. Photos are available on request.