Archaeopteryx lithographica (Berlin specimen)
Arguably the most famous fossil in the world, Archaeopteryx is widely regarded as an intermediate form
between dinosaurs and birds. It shows full feather impressions, claws on the wings, a long boney tail, and teeth.
Unlike most casts of this specimen that are many mold generations removed from the original, and thus somewhat lacking
in details, this cast is produced from an early generation mold that yields incredible fidelity, including not only
crisp details on the teeth, claws, and main veins of the feathers, but even the delicate cross-hatches on the feathers,
which are seen in few other casts (including most in museums).
Solnhofen Limestone Formation, Eichstatt, Germany
Late Jurassic
Size: Appox. 18 x 14.5 inches
(resin composition
We also have many other casts of Archaeopteryx available.
Archaeopteryx (lit. 'old-wing'), sometimes referred to by its German name, "Urvogel" (lit. Primeval Bird) is a genus of bird-like dinosaurs. The name derives from the ancient Greek ἀρχαῖος (archaīos), meaning "ancient", and πτέρυξ (ptéryx), meaning "feather" or "wing". Between the late 19th century and the early 21st century, Archaeopteryx was generally accepted by palaeontologists and popular reference books as the oldest known bird (member of the group Avialae).[2] Older potential avialans have since been identified, including Anchiornis, Xiaotingia, Aurornis,[3] and Baminornis zhenghensis.[4]