Australiceras/Proaustraliceras Ammonite?

[Mochaccino]

Hello,

 

I came across this listing for a Australiceras/Proaustraliceras ammonite from the Cretaceous Volga River of Russia, about 12 inches long. In terms of restoration, it is just said to be "cleaned, prepped and stabilized". To my amateur eye, there are no suspicious spots or abrupt changes in texture that would indicate reconstruction/restoration or compositing, and I think the matrix also looks typical of the region.

 

What do you think? Any tampering going on or is it all-natural?

 

Thanks.

 

 

 

 

EDIT: I actually noticed there is some change in texture in this part. Not sure if it's shell loss or possible reconstruction, I might ask for more photos

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 21, 2022 by Mochaccino

[glu]

Looks composite: joint section is the part matrix free.

More than 90% of those Australiceras and Audoliceras are composite.

Also the inner coil could be restored, as it often is

[Mochaccino]

10 hours ago, glu said:

Looks composite: joint section is the part matrix free.

More than 90% of those Australiceras and Audoliceras are composite.

Also the inner coil could be restored, as it often is

 

Now that you mention it I think I do see the transition, though the seller insists it's all one piece. Since compositing and restoration are so common it is hard to learn what truly natural looks like, or find one for that matter. Thank you.

Edited August 21, 2022 by Mochaccino