Bidspirit auction | 33 Fossil Specimens and Chert

33 Fossil Specimens and Chert Lithic Artifacts - 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.