This fossil caught my eye the first time I saw it, and I keep going back to it, but I haven't gotten it for two reasons: first, it's a little out of my range, and secondly I want to be sure about it before doing anything foolish.
It's advertised as a Vinctifer Comptoni, and I have no doubts about the identification, but in researching these fish I saw mention of many fakes and/or composites. However, I've tried to see any composite work or "fakery" on this particular fossil and I don't see any. The problem is my complete inexperience, so I thought I'd bring it to the experts here. I'll attach photos of the fossil and the back side of it. I think what has caught my eye most is the sort of dark brown "mud", as in the eye socket and various places on this, but I don't know if that's anything more than something to stabilize areas of the fossil.
I really appreciate you taking a look - of course I want this to be genuine and unworked, but I am completely open to whatever verdict you may have.