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Advice on Drotops Trilobite


MarielleK

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Hello all. I just wanted some advice on this drotops megalomanicus that I am considering adding to my collection. How is the prep work on it? It is 4.25 inches, which I thought was large. Would you go for it if you were me? 

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Not the worst example, certainly not the best, but maybe a payable alternative to the extremely price high-end ones.

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Depends on your level of fossil addiction and your level of specialization. If you're a trilo specialist with hundreds or even thousands of them in your collection, it's not worth a second look. If you're like me and have none in your collection (I only collect Mazon Creek fossils) and you like this one then it's maybe worth getting. If you have unlimited funding, forget it, you can do better. If you want one and this is the best you can find that fits within your budget . . . . 

 

You're wanting us to advise you about what is strictly a personal choice that we shouldn't interfere with. The best you'll get from anyone here is that it's real, and fairly decent.

 

 

Mark.

 

Fossil hunting is easy -- they don't run away when you shoot at them!

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It looks like it has a few nicks but they're not glaring - not the worst I've seen. If buy it if the price were right.

Does it look like the nicks have been camouflaged with shoe polish or suchlike?

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1 hour ago, Mark Kmiecik said:

Depends on your level of fossil addiction and your level of specialization. If you're a trilo specialist with hundreds or even thousands of them in your collection, it's not worth a second look. If you're like me and have none in your collection (I only collect Mazon Creek fossils) and you like this one then it's maybe worth getting. If you have unlimited funding, forget it, you can do better. If you want one and this is the best you can find that fits within your budget . . . . 

 

You're wanting us to advise you about what is strictly a personal choice that we shouldn't interfere with. The best you'll get from anyone here is that it's real, and fairly decent.

I am a newbie trilobite collector with only one other in my collection, I do have a budget. I just wanted an opinion first because I have been deterred from buying others that I have posted on here in the past, that I had thought were good (due to bad prep work or what have you).  

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1 minute ago, MarielleK said:

I am a newbie trilobite collector with only one other in my collection, I am also a college student with a budget. I just wanted an opinion first because I have been deterred from buying others that I have posted on here in the past, that I had thought were good (due to bad prep work or what have you).  

Most of those who will give you info on trilos on this forum have a lot of them in their collections, and are more selective than the average collector who doesn't specialize. I specialize in Mazon Creek fossils and most of what I see that is being sold online is garbage in my opinion, but to someone who doesn't already have an Essexella Asherae (jellyfish) it's worth purchasing. I wouldn't even consider buying one because I have many, and better specimens than 90% of what I see. It's very subjective. One person's trash is another's treasure rings quite true in this instance. Some say "yum", some say "meh". I cracked open so many coprolites that if I never see one again I won't shed a tear. Other people spend money to get one. "We all want what we ain't got . . . "

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Mark.

 

Fossil hunting is easy -- they don't run away when you shoot at them!

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47 minutes ago, Mark Kmiecik said:

Most of those who will give you info on trilos on this forum have a lot of them in their collections, and are more selective than the average collector who doesn't specialize. I specialize in Mazon Creek fossils and most of what I see that is being sold online is garbage in my opinion, but to someone who doesn't already have an Essexella Asherae (jellyfish) it's worth purchasing. I wouldn't even consider buying one because I have many, and better specimens than 90% of what I see. It's very subjective. One person's trash is another's treasure rings quite true in this instance. Some say "yum", some say "meh". I cracked open so many coprolites that if I never see one again I won't shed a tear. Other people spend money to get one. "We all want what we ain't got . . . "

You make a good point! I also wanted to make sure it wasn't a glaringly bad example for any reason since I wouldn't have the knowledge myself to know, and I will end up spending what is (for me in my situation) a considerable amount. I will probably end up pulling the trigger on this once since it is decent, and within the budget. Thank you everyone for the advice! 

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@MarielleK 

 

I am more or less in the same position as you. 

Relatively new to fossil collecting, don't want to spend a fortune on one hand, but don't want to buy rubbish specimens on the other. 

 

If you have a budget, and you know more or less what you like, a careful search will probably find you an acceptable specimen

Find a supplier who you can build up a relationship with.

And ask on this forum. The people here are always happy to advise. 

 

I have made a few mistakes, some specimens I shouldn't have bought with hindsight. But they didn't cost me too much. All part of the learning curve. 

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MOTM.png.61350469b02f439fd4d5d77c2c69da85.png.a47e14d65deb3f8b242019b3a81d8160.png MotM August 2023 - Eclectic Collector

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