Very Rare Fossil Plesiosaur Cryptoclidus Paddle Oxford Clay Jurassic

Description

Fossil Identification

This very rare fossil specimen is identified as a Plesiosaur paddle associated with Cryptoclidus. The piece consists of nearly complete, loose bones, offering a distinctive fossil display for collectors interested in Jurassic marine reptiles and vertebrate palaeontology. The supplied identification makes this an especially appealing addition to a fossil collection focused on plesiosaurs, Oxford Clay fossils, or historically important marine deposits from the United Kingdom.

Plesiosaurs were extinct marine reptiles recognised for their specialised body forms and paddle-like limbs, which were adapted for movement through marine environments. Cryptoclidus is a plesiosaur genus known from Jurassic fossil material. A paddle specimen provides an opportunity to appreciate the skeletal construction of these remarkable reptiles and the anatomical features that distinguish marine reptile fossils from more familiar terrestrial remains.

Geological Origin

The specimen is recorded from the Oxford Clay Formation in the Jurassic of Peterborough, UK. The Oxford Clay Formation is widely recognised as an important Jurassic fossil-bearing deposit, particularly noted for marine vertebrate remains. Its fossil assemblages provide valuable evidence of ancient marine ecosystems and the reptiles that lived in Jurassic seas. This geological setting gives the specimen strong appeal for collectors seeking fossils with a clearly stated formation and locality.

Specimen Details

The product is described as a “Nearly complete, loose bones” specimen. As a fossil paddle, it presents an informative example of plesiosaur skeletal material while retaining the natural character of separate fossilised bones. The loose-bone format allows the individual elements to be viewed as a genuine fossil assemblage rather than as a modern reproduction or cast. The specimen is supplied under the product name “VERY RARE: Fossil Plesiosaur (Cryptoclidus) Paddle.”

Collector and Display Interest

This Cryptoclidus plesiosaur paddle is suited to fossil collectors, Jurassic enthusiasts, museum-style displays, educational collections, and anyone fascinated by extinct marine reptiles. Its combination of a named fossil group, Jurassic geological age, Oxford Clay Formation origin, and Peterborough locality makes it a meaningful piece for presenting the history of palaeontology and the diversity of ancient marine life. It can also serve as an attractive conversation piece for a study, office, cabinet, or natural-history display.

Authentication

This Fossil is a genuine specimen and Includes a fully hand-signed Premium Certificate of Authenticity.

The certificate accompanies the fossil and provides an important part of the purchasing presentation for collectors who value documented authenticity. SKU: MG6019.