Real Spinosaurus foot claw ?

[Brevicollis]

Hello, I saw this moroccan Spinosaurus claw on auction today and wondered If its real or fake. Its 7,5 cm in length, and I think its real, as I dont see any evidence of it beeing one. It apparently is from the moroccan Kemkem beds.

 

@Phos_01 @JorisVV

Edited July 2 by Brevicollis

[rocket]

impossible to decide

might be, might be not

no groove, no good surface

my nose says: red flag, not a claw, Carvosaurus 

[Brevicollis]

Well, thanks for your input !

 

But to my eyes it looks like it is horribly prepared, lots of glue and plaster, maybe a professional could make something better out of it.

 

It think its real, because I see a small, matrix filled groove, a small kink and groove at the bottom side, and bone structure and texture that follows the shape of the claw and many more details I dont know the words for, wich let me think is real.

[Brevicollis]

Guys, I dont want to sound like Im an impatient person, but I really want to have a couple more answers than that !

 

Im really interested on that auction, it may be my only chance for a Spinosaurus claw for the next years ! My last chance on a affordable Spino claw was in May 2023, I've waited long enough.

 

So please, when you have an opinion about this claw, may it be so bad or good or big or small, please write it !

Everything would be helpfull !

 

Thanks 

Edited July 2 by Brevicollis

[JorisVV]

Would pass on it. Bit of a freak thing.

[Brevicollis]

19 minutes ago, JorisVV said:

Would pass on it. Bit of a freak thing.

What is so "freakish" about it ?

[Phos_01]

I would also avoid , with only these photos to see. 

Need beter closeups to perhaps have your best scenario thats its real, and it can be beter when prepper by a professional. (what also has a cost) 

 

Good claws take time, much time to find one

And cost allot. They are very rare. 

[Brevicollis]

I'll try to ask for better pictures, its more complicated for me and could take some time.

[North]

Remember that as a buyer you carry all the risks.

As Phos mentioned, it might take a long time to find what you are looking for. Trust me, we all have had the frustrations.

 

Rush is never an good thing, since you might do decicions that you regret later.

I try to think it in a way.

Are you happy with it?

Would you still want to replace it later?

Could money be used later on better one?

[Brevicollis]

2 hours ago, North said:

Rush is never an good thing, since you might do decicions that you regret later.

I try to think it in a way.

Are you happy with it?

Would you still want to replace it later?

Could money be used later on better one?

Yes you're right. Rush is never a good thing. I've wanted a big Rebbachisaurus tooth, endet up getting a 50% fake, too expensive one. Wanted a big Basilosaurus front tooth ? Got one where the root is mostly a fabrication. Wanted a mosasaur jaw still in matrix ? Decided to get a composite Enchodus jaw that was twice as expensive  

 

But if the claw is real, that would make me happy the most, considering how rare even real ones are nowadays.

So I'll try to get it, after seeing more pictures of it of course !

 

Otherwise, if it isnt real, I still have other option with my birthday money, like Allosaurus, Marshosaurus, or rare mosasaur teeth, or another spinosaur foot claw that I know of that is real, but still is a bit above my budget....

Edited July 2 by Brevicollis

[FB003]

I'd be very careful buying any claw labeled as spino off an auction site.  They are not super rare but instead are just super rare online specifically as most are not completely legit.  Perhaps consider, if there are any near you, a trip to a a fossil show where there are private dealers. There are still fakes but I've seen quite a number of real ones too that members have posted from them.  Cheap/deals are scary when it comes to those.

[Brevicollis]

July 14 is a small fossil convention relativly near me, that I'll go to. Maybe they'll have one there ?!

[FB003]

Never know.  I know there's a big show out that way some members go to.  Cannot remember where it is though. 

[JorisVV]

2 hours ago, FB003 said:

Never know.  I know there's a big show out that way some members go to.  Cannot remember where it is though. 

St Marie aux mines. But that was last week

 

[Brevicollis]

1 hour ago, JorisVV said:

St Marie aux mines. But that was last week

 

And also way to far away from my location.

[Brevicollis]

I've asked for more pictures, but no answer so far. If he sends more, I'll post them !

 

 

Edited July 4 by Brevicollis

[Brevicollis]

Just got them (pictures , not the claw !!!)

@Phos_01, @JorisVV, @FB003@rocket your guys opinion ?

 

 

 

 

Edited July 5 by Brevicollis

[JorisVV]

Really bad claw. Pass on it. Claws are rather common

[Brevicollis]

@JorisVV Is it real or fake then ?

Im just wondering if you meant that its a real, bad preserved one, or a Carvosaurus fakensis ?

 

Edited July 4 by Brevicollis

[Phos_01]

Photos are still a bit blurry 

 

but its most likely to be a carved piece. Its also rather small. I would agree passing on it. 

[rocket]

my opinion is the same than monday, it might be that it is an original one in bad condition with carvings on it

As far as I know you got it cheap, so it will be o.k. at this price

When you one day have a higher limit for shopping change it against a non-carved one

 

[Brevicollis]

@rocket I havent got it, I got more pictures !

The auction ends monday, its getting more expensive every day. I wanted it because I quite like the looks of it, but after your guys very bad opinion on it, I better wont bid for it. Sad.

 

Short question : can you please name the reasons why you think its not real so I can also understand ? Otherwise I still think to see some bone texture and the blood groove also looks natural to me ! So please, name your reasons for better understandment.

Edited July 5 by Brevicollis

[rocket]

4 hours ago, Brevicollis said:

@rocket 

Short question : can you please name the reasons why you think its not real so I can also understand ? Otherwise I still think to see some bone texture and the blood groove also looks natural to me ! So please, name your reasons for better understandment.

 First is the is the experience when I see the piece. The surface is not typical. But that can be the case if it is very weathered. I see different colors. The claw is a foot claw. But it's too high for that. I see a few structural lines that are straight and not curved. Those would be the arguments. Therefore I suspect that it is either a weathered one or rather none. I suspect that it is a real one that is in poor condition. And restored. 

 

Edited July 5 by rocket

[Brevicollis]

Thanks ! 
I'll stay away from it, hopefully it wont get sold for a to high price.

 

@rocket, one explonation why it might be to high : could it be missidentifyed ? I often see Carch, Abeli, Croc, and Pterosaur fossils getting offered as Spinosaurus, and many claws too. I wouldnt rule out the possibility that this might be a missidentifyed Carcharodontosaurus saharicus or Abelisaurid foot claw ?

Edited July 5 by Brevicollis

[Phos_01]

4 hours ago, Brevicollis said:

can you please name the reasons why you think its not real so I can also understand ? Otherwise I still think to see some bone texture and the blood groove also looks natural to me !

There is no apparent bone structure visible. The shape is a little off, and the photos are horrible. Impossible to rate a fossil using these fossils. From what we see now, the chance thats its carved is like 90% . There is just a small chance that its real, and poorly preserved. So even with your best chance, the outcome will still be that you end up with a lesser preserved one. 

 

Heres a claw of mine, just to compare what to look for.