MarielleK Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 Alright guys, so I have been wanted a keichousaurus for a while but haven't gotten one out of the fear of purchasing a fake. I am very aware that fossils on ebay from china are (the majority of the time) fake, especially keichs. The one I am looking at right now is from a ebay seller out of Hong Kong, but it looks especially roughshod, which I am hoping is a sign of authenticity. Most of the fakes I believe look very perfect and painted with dark blank paint, however this one looks in bad shape or only half prepared. I do not mind how decorative it looks, I would just like it to be a real fossil. I attached some pictures that the seller has up. Please let me know what you guys think! And thank you!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidgy's Dad Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 Golly! I've seen a lot of these on the net over time but this is a beast! That poor quality, half missing or badly or half- prepped it's got to be for real, surely ? 1 Life's Good! Tortoise Friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarielleK Posted January 6, 2018 Author Share Posted January 6, 2018 1 minute ago, Tidgy's Dad said: Golly! I've seen a lot of these on the net over time but this is a beast! That poor quality, half missing or badly or half- prepped it's got to be for real, surely ? That's my hope! I don't care too much how it looks, just want it real! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snolly50 Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 My supposition is the surface bearing the fossil was long exposed to the elements. That is, the fossil was not revealed by splitting rock, but was already visible on the surface. It is a degraded piece, not much improved by a lick and a promise with a rotary, wire brush, half-hearted prep. I think I grasp the logic of your self-assurance - if it's dreadful it must be "real." However, genuine Keichs are very common fossils. It's true, finding a nice one without any paint monkey business requires some effort; but it certainly can be done. I would not purchase the current example unless it was at an extreme bargain price ($25 for me, but I'm cheap). However, your mileage may vary. To answer your question, as best as can be determined from a photo; yes that's a "real" fossil. As I have tried to suggest; there are many other authentic examples in better condition. 2 Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, also are remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. - Douglas Adams, Last Chance to See Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarielleK Posted January 6, 2018 Author Share Posted January 6, 2018 4 minutes ago, snolly50 said: My supposition is the surface bearing the fossil was long exposed to the elements. That is, the fossil was not revealed by splitting rock, but was already visible on the surface. It is a degraded piece, not much improved by a lick and a promise with a rotary, wire brush, half-hearted prep. I think I grasp the logic of your self-assurance - if it's dreadful it must be "real." However, genuine Keichs are very common fossils. It's true, finding a nice one without any paint monkey business requires some effort; but it certainly can be done. I would not purchase the current example unless it was at an extreme bargain price ($25 for me, but I'm cheap). However, your mileage may vary. To answer your question, as best as can be determined from a photo; yes that's a "real" fossil. As I have tried to suggest; there are many other authentic examples in better condition. Its $40, too much? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarielleK Posted January 6, 2018 Author Share Posted January 6, 2018 Im going to take Snolly50's advice and pass on this guy. Thanks all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ynot Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 39 minutes ago, MarielleK said: Im going to take Snolly50's advice and pass on this guy. Thanks all! Good choice. The one You pictured looks like most of the bones are gone and just the print is left. There are much better pieces out there. Most of the ketch on the market are not outright fakes, or fabrications. They have been poorly prepped and enhanced by paint more often than not. Search this sub forum, there are several good threads to teach You what to look for when making a choice on one of these. 2 Darwin said: " Man sprang from monkeys." Will Rogers said: " Some of them didn't spring far enough." My Fossil collection - My Mineral collection My favorite thread on TFF. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Andy- Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 As mentioned by ynot, there are far more genuine Keich online than you might imagine. Here's a real pair to guide you. Look for calcite splits, make sure the bone detail is clear on the entire fossil down to individual bones on the tail and neck, make sure there are no weird discolorations splitting the fossil up (a sign of possible composition), ensure you can see actual details on the skull with eye sockets. Better yet, just post pictures here and we can give our input. 1 Looking forward to meeting my fellow Singaporean collectors! Do PM me if you are a Singaporean, or an overseas fossil-collector coming here for a holiday! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarielleK Posted January 6, 2018 Author Share Posted January 6, 2018 Alright so I found a few more that I am interested in, although one seems to be unprepped and I would have to figure out how to prep it. I am posting pictures, lets just call them keich a, b, and c in the order that I post their pics. Thank you guys again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarielleK Posted January 6, 2018 Author Share Posted January 6, 2018 8 hours ago, -Andy- said: As mentioned by ynot, there are far more genuine Keich online than you might imagine. Here's a real pair to guide you. Look for calcite splits, make sure the bone detail is clear on the entire fossil down to individual bones on the tail and neck, make sure there are no weird discolorations splitting the fossil up (a sign of possible composition), ensure you can see actual details on the skull with eye sockets. Better yet, just post pictures here and we can give our input. I posted some pictures for you guys to look at. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnBrewer Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 16 hours ago, snolly50 said: $25 for me, but I'm cheap I believe this maybe an understatement Lord Snolly. John Map of UK fossil sites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ynot Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 First one (a) looks very rough with pieces missing. Second one (b) also looks like a rough prepp, particularly the back and tail Third one looks the nicest of these three, but I wonder about the back and tail on this one also. Would like to see close ups of the heads on all three. Wait for others to give Their opinions. Darwin said: " Man sprang from monkeys." Will Rogers said: " Some of them didn't spring far enough." My Fossil collection - My Mineral collection My favorite thread on TFF. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnBrewer Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 18 hours ago, MarielleK said: Alright guys, so I have been wanted a keichousaurus for a while but haven't gotten one out of the fear of purchasing a fake. I am very aware that fossils on ebay from china are (the majority of the time) fake, especially keichs. The one I am looking at right now is from a ebay seller out of Hong Kong, but it looks especially roughshod, which I am hoping is a sign of authenticity. Most of the fakes I believe look very perfect and painted with dark blank paint, however this one looks in bad shape or only half prepared. I do not mind how decorative it looks, I would just like it to be a real fossil. I attached some pictures that the seller has up. Please let me know what you guys think! And thank you!!! The Turin Shroud of a keichy.... John Map of UK fossil sites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarielleK Posted January 6, 2018 Author Share Posted January 6, 2018 2 minutes ago, ynot said: First one (a) looks very rough with pieces missing. Second one (b) also looks like a rough prepp, particularly the back and tail Third one looks the nicest of these three, but I wonder about the back and tail on this one also. Would like to see close ups of the heads on all three. Wait for others to give Their opinions. The tip of the tail looks painted on with the third. Do you think they are all a good percentage of genuine fossil? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarielleK Posted January 6, 2018 Author Share Posted January 6, 2018 4 minutes ago, ynot said: First one (a) looks very rough with pieces missing. Second one (b) also looks like a rough prepp, particularly the back and tail Third one looks the nicest of these three, but I wonder about the back and tail on this one also. Would like to see close ups of the heads on all three. Wait for others to give Their opinions. Also the color of the matrix around the keich (the third one, c) looks different than the rest of the matrix. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ynot Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 2 minutes ago, MarielleK said: The tip of the tail looks painted on with the third. Do you think they are all a good percentage of genuine fossil? Can not see it well enough to tell from those pictures, need a close up. 2 minutes ago, MarielleK said: Also the color of the matrix around the keich (the third one, c) looks different than the rest of the matrix. I think that is normal for these. (not sure) Darwin said: " Man sprang from monkeys." Will Rogers said: " Some of them didn't spring far enough." My Fossil collection - My Mineral collection My favorite thread on TFF. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarielleK Posted January 6, 2018 Author Share Posted January 6, 2018 3 minutes ago, ynot said: Can not see it well enough to tell from those pictures, need a close up. I think that is normal for these. (not sure) There are only a few more on the sellers site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarielleK Posted January 6, 2018 Author Share Posted January 6, 2018 2 minutes ago, ynot said: Can not see it well enough to tell from those pictures, need a close up. I think that is normal for these. (not sure) Here is a picture of the head on keich #3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarielleK Posted January 6, 2018 Author Share Posted January 6, 2018 These are all Chinese sellers by the way, in case you haven't guessed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ynot Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 Wait for others to reply on this. Darwin said: " Man sprang from monkeys." Will Rogers said: " Some of them didn't spring far enough." My Fossil collection - My Mineral collection My favorite thread on TFF. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snolly50 Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 45 minutes ago, JohnBrewer said: I believe this maybe an understatement Lord Snolly. I like to think I am frugal. However, the snollywife often opines; "Well that's another example of more money than sense!" 1 Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, also are remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. - Douglas Adams, Last Chance to See Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnBrewer Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 Mrs Brewer and the snollywife I believe are on the same page..... John Map of UK fossil sites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caldigger Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 2 hours ago, JohnBrewer said: I believe this maybe an understatement Lord Snolly. Gosh, don't call him that!, John has a big enough ego as it is...his head may explode! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Andy- Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 16 hours ago, MarielleK said: Alright so I found a few more that I am interested in, although one seems to be unprepped and I would have to figure out how to prep it. I am posting pictures, lets just call them keich a, b, and c in the order that I post their pics. Thank you guys again! This is the only specimen I would consider if it's cheap enough. The rest, although with nice bodies, have heads and neck that doesn't feel right. Looking forward to meeting my fellow Singaporean collectors! Do PM me if you are a Singaporean, or an overseas fossil-collector coming here for a holiday! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazyhen Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 All the four Keichousaurus are genuine. In fact, Keichousaurus are so common that genuine ones are more commonly found in the market than fake ones, but yes it is also not uncommon to have some parts painted in particular the tail and claws. My observations are: The first one is mechanically prepped from a very hard slab which it is common to be acid washed or mechanically prepped. Most of the bones were worn out and it is very difficult to prep a hard slab; Specimen a is basically unprepped, with some missing/embedded bones, preparation would make it look better; Specimen b is mechanically prepped, the slab is broken into 3 pieces and glued together; Specimen c is acid washed, the tail end might have been painted or badly acid washed so that it looks like painted. Ynot is right, the colour of the matrix is normal, there are mainly two types of slabs, one is black, one is "colourful", found in the localities in which Keichousaurus are collected. But as others said, there are Keichousaurus of far better quality in the market such as the one below 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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