Spectacular Spinosaurus Forefoot Dinosaur Claw

Description: This is a fine example of a manual ungual (forefoot claw) from the dinosaur Spinosaurus aegpyticus coming from the Lower Cretaceous Cenomanian Stage deposits near, Taouz Morocco. Claws are far less commonly found than teeth; indeed, while I have seen literally hundreds of teeth of this dinosaur offered, only a literal handful of claws are available. In life, the claw would have been covered in a horny sheath that would have made it at least a third larger. Additionally, the forefeet claws (sometimes called hand claws) with which the Theropod ripped its prey are more highly sought by collectors and valuable than the hindfoot claws. A few repaired cracks they detract little from the wonderful asthetic appearance of the specimen.

This dinosaur was discovered in the early 1900’s, and the type specimen was destroyed in a bombing raid in Germany in WWII. Spinosaurus derives its name from the neural spines that it possessed, thought to have been joined by skin to form a sail-like structure used as a thermoregulatory device. At some 15 meters in length, it was one of the largest carnivores. It is thought to be related to Suchomimus and Baryonyx, two similarly shaped dinosaurs that did not possess the same spiny sail. All are thought to have preyed upon fish at least some of the time due to the crocodile-like jaws and pointed teeth.