Bizarre Walliserops trifurcatus Trident Trilobite

Description: This trilobite is a member of the Order Phacopida, Family Acastidae from the Devonian deposits of Jebel Issoumour, Morocco known commercially as the Trident Comura. The trilobite was named Walliserops trifurcatus by Pierre Morzadec. Most spines have been prepared freestanding on the cephalon as well as most of those on the axial, and pleural lobes, as well as the pygidial spines making for a dramatic display. The diagnostic trident has been prepared freestanding as well, making for a dramatic piece unlikely to ever need upgrading. With the advent of a reliable source of electricity in Morocco, the quality of preparation has improved dramatically over the past few years. This one took a great deal of effort to prepare all the pleural spines free of matrix. This is a fine smaller example of the taxon, making it eminently affordable. Just a few years ago such a piece would have had a wholesale price in excess of the asking price of this one, making it quite the bargain.