Mastodon Hip And Leg - Found In Alaska In 1940S

[Prof]

My great uncle found these when he lived in Alaska 70 years ago - should they be donated? to whom? sold? what research value if any would they have. One is quite large.

[RyanNREMTP]

Do you have pictures?

[fossilized6s]

A large specimen like a Mastodon always has research value, but to what degree is up in the air. It depends where it was found. If it was found in association with anything else. And if it has butcher marks from an indigenous ancient tribe. It basically would be logged and stored in a basement some where. I would guess that the Paleontologists' would like to have this to add to their ever growing knowledge of the ancient landscape. But if you don't have any info on where it was found or what it was found in association with, IMO it's useless to study. If there are butcher marks present, i would suggest donating it. If not, sell it or keep it.

We also don't price fossils here, sorry.

Hopefully you can dig up more info on these pieces. Good luck.

Edited July 28, 2014 by fossilized6s

[siteseer]

The specimens might have some research value if they come with a label or note with locality data. A mammal specialist might want to take a look at least.

My great uncle found these when he lived in Alaska 70 years ago - should they be donated? to whom? sold? what research value if any would they have. One is quite large.