VERY RARE Fossil Heteromorph Ammonite Anahamulina davidsoni – Barremian, Cretaceous – France – Alice Purnell Collection

Description

VERY RARE HETEROMORPH AMMONITE – ANAHAMULINA DAVIDSONI

Geological Age: Barremian Stage, Lower Cretaceous (~129–125 million years ago)

Location: Alps Haute Provence, southeastern France

Formation: Urgonian facies limestone or associated marine sediment

From the Alice Purnell Collection

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity

This is an exceptionally rare and scientifically significant fossil specimen of Anahamulina davidsoni, a heteromorph ammonite dating from the Barremian Stage of the Lower Cretaceous. The specimen was collected from the rich fossiliferous layers of the Alps Haute Provence region of France, well known for yielding exquisitely preserved marine invertebrates.

GEOLOGICAL & TAXONOMIC DETAILS:

• Species: Anahamulina davidsoni
• Age: Barremian, Early Cretaceous
• Location: Alps Haute Provence, France
• Depositional Environment:
• Shallow marine carbonate shelf, rich in ammonites and other molluscs
• Represented by reefal and peri-reefal sedimentary deposits with marl and limestone interbedding
• Zone & Biozone: Associated with Nicklesia pulchella ammonite biozone (if applicable)
• Morphology Features:
• Heteromorph coiling; consists of a long, straight section followed by an abrupt hook-shaped recurved section
• Shell often compressed with fine, dense ribbing and variable ornamentation
• The unique shell form is interpreted to represent a drifting or hovering life strategy, unlike typical planispiral ammonites
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Ancyloceratoidea
• Family: Ancyloceratidae
• Notable:
• First described in the 19th century, A. davidsoni is a benchmark species for the evolution of early heteromorph ammonites
• Scarce in private collections due to its rarity and limited stratigraphic range
• Well-preserved examples such as this are highly sought after for museum-quality collections

FEATURES & AUTHENTICITY:

This specimen is sourced from the renowned Alice Purnell Collection, known for curating only the highest quality, verifiable fossils. The photograph in the listing shows the exact fossil you will receive, with a scale cube of 1cm squares for accurate sizing. The preservation quality captures the unique heteromorphic shell structure and surface ribbing that distinguish this genus.

INCLUDED WITH PURCHASE:

• Fossil: Anahamulina davidsoni
• Provenance: Alps Haute Provence, France
• Age: Lower Cretaceous (Barremian)
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Original photo of specimen included in listing
• Secure, insured packaging with scale cube shown (1cm per square)

SUMMARY:

This Anahamulina davidsoni specimen is a superb example of a rare heteromorph ammonite from the Barremian of France, offering collectors a glimpse into the evolutionary experimentation of early Cretaceous cephalopods. Its peculiar and scientifically notable morphology makes it an ideal fossil for collectors, institutions, and educational displays.

An outstanding addition to any palaeontological collection.