BRACE OF GOMPHOTHERE MOLARS

BRACE OF GOMPHOTHERE MOLARS

Gompotherium cuvieronus

Miocene

Hawthorne Formation, South Carolina, USA

Overall Measurements: 11 x 4 ¼ x 8 ½ inches (28.00 x 11.00 x 22.00 cm).

Gomphotheres are an extinct genus of proboscidians – elephant-like trunked Mammals – similar to Mammoths and Mastodons. These proboscidians were rather bizarre-looking creatures and had two sets of tusks rather than just one pair and are often referred to as "shovel tuskers". There are differences with the dentition that separate them from other similar groups. The present pair are excellent examples featuring enamel crowns of dark black coloration with glossy luster and both displaying substantial root structure.

PROVENANCE

Discovered by legendary 'fossil hunter' Vito Bertucci.

Phillips, New York, December 2, 1995 (lot 329)

Private New York collection from 1995 till the present.