Vinne the Ichthyosaur: A Remarkable Fossil Discovery
On a sunny yet brisk January afternoon in 2021, a remarkable discovery was made on Charmouth beach. A section of tail vertebrae was spotted protruding from the bedrock near the low water line, revealed by an unusually low tide and a series of winter storms that had exposed a seldom-seen layer of shale.
The amateur fossil hunter, experienced in scouring fossil sites worldwide, immediately recognized the potential of unearthing a complete specimen—a dream for any enthusiast. Following a frantic hour of phone calls to local fossil shops for professional guidance, contact was made with a local palaeontologist who quickly took interest. A meeting at the site was arranged for the next day.
Upon inspection, it was confirmed: a potentially complete Ichthyosaur had been hidden in the bedrock for nearly 200 million years. This marked the beginning of a two-year excavation and preparation journey, culminating in the presentation of the specimen we showcase today.
"Vinne," as the fossil is affectionately known, was displayed for a year at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre alongside the famous “Attenborough Sea Dragon.” During this time, it captivated and educated countless fossil enthusiasts from around the globe.
“This is one of the finest specimens I have had the pleasure of working on. The level of preservation is exceptionally high, with stomach contents, fine gastralia, and skin being preserved,” noted R. Moore, the fossil's preparator.
The decision to prepare the fossil from its underside, the side that lay in the sand upon its death, proved advantageous. Typically, the topsides of many marine fossils suffer from predation and ocean currents. This approach revealed extraordinary detail, enhancing both its aesthetic and scientific value.
The specimen is approximately 95% complete, featuring a full set of teeth down to the tip of its tail. Small sections of one front paddle, one rear paddle, and minor areas of rib have been expertly recreated, sympathetically completing the preparation and ensuring the specimen's authenticity and appeal.
"Vinne" will be offered in The Devon Saleroom's 16th & 17th September auction, with an estimate of £10,000-£15,000
Species: Ichthyosaurus Communis
Age: ≈ 195 Million Years Old
Location: Stonebarrow Beach, Charmouth, UK
Discovery date: January 4th 2021
Dimensions: ≈ 135 x 42 cm
Extraction duration: ≈ 3 Days during tidal windows
Extraction team: 5 people made up of a Palaeontologist, a local Heritage Curator, Preparator, a local Fossil Guide and the discoverer.
Preparation time: ≈120 hours over 1.5 years
Structure: fully sealed and stabilised specimen held in stabilised original matrix, reinforced with longitudinal rebar and a fibre glass backing
For inclusion with the sale:
- Ichthyosaurus Communis specimen
- Provenance record by way of a bound book created by the discoverer. This will include 50+ photos and a short story from the discovery about the discovery
- Location maps of the discovery site
- Proof of good legal title of the specimen for the current owner from the relevant authorities
- Documentation from the West Coast Key Scientifically Important Fossil Recording Scheme
Image courtesy of Charmouth Heritage Centre
