Fossil of an alligator osteoderm

For sale: an excellent and very well-preserved fossil osteoderm of Alligator mississippiensis (American alligator). Osteoderms are the bony plates that these reptiles have under the skin, functioning as natural armor to protect themselves from predators and other rivals. This piece stands out for perfectly preserving the rough and porous texture characteristic of the bony shields of caimans and alligators from the Pleistocene, offering a fascinating window into North America’s prehistoric fauna. Technical Fossil Sheet • Species: Alligator mississippiensis (American alligator) • Time / Period: Neogene / Early Pleistocene (Irvingtonian Mammal Age), approximately 1.6 million years ago. • Geologic formation: Bermont Formation • Provenance: Leisey Shell Pit, Ruskin, Florida (USA). • Presentation: The lot includes the transparent acrylic display stand shown in the images, ideal for immediate display in collectors’ showcases or private museum vitrines.

Estimate:£3.35

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