First Trilobite...moroccan. Did I Purchase A Fake One? Pics Included!

[The Liberator]

Link to imgur album of pics with matrix and closeups (19 images total):

http://imgur.com/a/w79UX

Hey guys. So I purchased this from a local dealer who is a completely honest and stand up guy. I told him I was worried about fakes and he offers a lifetime guarantee so I know I can return it it is fake, but I wanted to get your guys' thoughts. The only thing that worries me are the small holes in the matrix...I know that is supposed to be a sign of resin, but there aren't any on the trilobite itself. The other thing is there is a bit of hard outlining on part of the trilobite, but not all. (Sometimes these are glued in I know. The dealer is apparently quite aware of all the fakes out there and if it IS fake, I absolutely do not think he sold it knowingly. I love the piece, but I know how faked these guys often are so I need some advice!!!

Thanks in advance!!

[Raggedy Man]

Looks legit to me

[piranha]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but unfortunately this Cambropallas telesto is mostly fabricated. Attached is an example showing what the morphological features are supposed to look like on this species. Aside from missing many of the thoracic segments, most of the ones that are present have been carved by the artisan forger. Luckily you have been offered an unconditional refund. In the future I'd suggest posting photos before the purchase, we are always happy to help!

 

 

Geyer,G., & Palmer, A.R. (1995)

Neltneriidae and Holmiidae (Trilobita) From Morocco and the Problem of Early Cambrian Intercontental Correlation.

Journal of Paleontology, 69(3):459-474

 

 

 

[The Liberator]

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. So in your opinion, is it an authentic trilobite that has been tampered with, or do you think it is a complete fake/?

[Malcolmt]

I agree with Piranha that this is somewhat typical of a telesto that has been restored and fabricated. In the edge shots you can see some spots that have bubbles in the matrix which is indicative of a filler compound. I believe that there are portions of the fossils that are real although they may not be from the same specimen.The radiating nail marks are often used to make it harder to detect where you have fabricated areas. I would probably keep it if the price was right. If is was under $50 I would probably keep it.

[The Liberator]

It was 120 with stand and as I said before, the dealer is a stand-up, honest guy so I will probably just get a full refund. I had done research on fake trilobites a year or so ago, so I knew that forgeries abound, but this was an unexpected trip to the fossil store and purchase so the things to look for weren't fresh in my mind. When I got home and did the research I thought "Uh oh!" Obviously I should have done some fresh research beforehand. I told him my concerns about fake trilobites and had he not offered an unconditional, lifetime guarantee of authenticity or money back, I wouldn't have bought it. (He isn't a fossil specialist per se but he sells a lot of minerals and man made antiquities.)

But I do like it, fake or not so I might just ask to have it for 40-50 bucks.

[RJB]

Hey Liberator. I used to sell a lot of these back when I was a fossil dealer. They were all like this one more or less. ive only seen one that was all 'natural' and not chisled all around it to make it look better. If you like it, keep it. I wish I would have saved one of these for myself. They still are purty dang cool if you ask me.

RB

[funfordds]

This one looks to be heavily restored or completely fabricated. sorry to break the news, but dont feel bad. Many of us have been fooled by these fakes. try and get a refund.

[funfordds]

Here is one in my collection that has no restoration. http://imgur.com/a/tGXnW

[Malcolmt]

Nice specimen funfordds, it is always good to have the positive and negative as it makes it much more difficult (if not impossible) for them to fake with a Frankenstein collection of parts and bondo......

[funfordds]

Thanks. I have a positive and negative fake ill post this evening.

[RJB]

That one you have funffords is a real beautie!!!

RB