[Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Thread Index] [Date Prev] [Date Next] [Date Index]

paleonet Sternberg fossil shark



All,

I've come across a reference to a very large shark (6 m / 20 ft) discovered
in Kansas by Charles H. Sternberg that went to the Ludwig-Maximilian
University of Munich in the 1890s, and was wondering if anyone had any
information about this specimen, or how I might contact someone in
paleontology at the university?

On page 113-114 of C. H. Sternberg's "Life of a Fossil Hunter," he describes
the discovery of a 20 [foot?] shark [Cretoxyrhina] from the chalk [probably
Gove Co., south of Park, KS, USA]. The specimen was nearly complete, with
"over 250 teeth"....

Quoting Sternberg, "This is the first time and, I believe, the only time
that so complete a specimen of this ancient shark has been discovered. The
column and other solid parts were composed of cartilaginous matter which
usually decays so easily that is rarely petrified. I suppose my specimen was
old at the time of its death, and bony matter had  been deposited in the
cartilage. It is not very likely that such a specimen will ever be
duplicated.  Dr. Eastman's [1895?] study of this skeleton enabled him to
make synonyms of many species which had been named form teeth alone."

Apparently, the publication he was referring to is:

Eastman, C. R., 1895. Bietrage Kenntniss Gattung Oxyrhina mit besonderer
Berucksichtigung von Oxyrhina mantelli Agassiz.  Palaeontographica
41:149-192.

According to Sternberg, "the most complete skeleton of the Cretaceous shark,
_Oxyrhina mantelli_ Agassiz [Cretoxyrhina mantelli] ever discovered in any
formation"  was sold to the "Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich."

Does anyone know if the specimen is still at Munich?

Any information appreciated.

Regards,

Mike Everhart
Adjunct Curator of Paleontology
Sternberg Museum of Natural History
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
http://www.oceansofkansas.com
see also:
http://www.oceansofkansas.com/BigShark.html