- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Ocean Conservation.
Lot 292:
Description
Collection of natural history specimens and lithic tools. The group includes 29 fossilized fish skeletons, each articulated and preserved within an oval-shaped sedimentary stone matrix showing orange-brown mineralization. One large rectangular block of sedimentary rock contains a dense concentration of fossilized brachiopod and bivalve shells with visible ribbing. The lot also includes three stone artifacts: one rounded bifacial chert core with visible percussion flaking and dark cortex, one elongated tan chert blade tool with reticulated edge flaking, and one smaller irregular chert flake or scraper. The fish specimens are uniformly shaped into smooth ovals for display. Largest piece: 4" L x 3" W x 1" D. Fish specimens: 1 7/8" L x 7/8" W x 1/8" D.
From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.
Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund.
Condition report:
The specimens are in good condition overall. The small fish fossils exhibit clear skeletal detail and are stable within their shaped mounts. The large fossil block shows natural weathering and stable edges. The lithic artifacts retain sharp knapped edges and characteristic flake scars; minor edge nibbling is present on the chert tools, consistent with the nature of the material and age. No significant fractures or recent losses are visible.
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