Archaeopteryx lithographica

Part of the EVOLUTION & ORIGINS Exhibit

Late Jurassic Period, approx. 150-148 million years ago

1:1 Scale Skull Replica

SPECIMEN PROFILE

Archaeopteryx lithographica lived in the island archipelagos of Late Jurassic Europe, where warm coastal lagoons and limestone forests created a fragmented landscape of isolated ecosystems. It is widely regarded as one of the most important transitional organisms in vertebrate evolution, bridging the anatomical gap between non-avian dinosaurs and modern birds.

Its skeleton combined classic theropod features—such as teeth, a long bony tail, and clawed fingers—with clear avian adaptations, including feathered wings capable of powered or assisted gliding. The feathers likely served multiple functions, including insulation, display, and aerodynamic lift. While not a strong flyer by modern standards, Archaeopteryx represents an early experiment in aerial locomotion, capable of short bursts of flight or gliding between trees and across gaps in its island habitat.

COLLECTOR & CURATOR NOTE

A pivotal Late Jurassic transitional species—its blend of feathered wings and reptilian anatomy marks one of the most significant evolutionary links between non-avian dinosaurs and modern birds.

CONSTRUCTION & DISPLAY

Scale

• 1:1, approx. 1.9 in or 5 cm

Fossil Finishes

• Aged Bone: A weathered bone-white aesthetic, evoking exposed skeletal remains and museum restorations.

• Canyon: Warm earth tones and terracotta hues, inspired by fossil beds such as Picketwire and Mill Canyon.

• Fossilized: Deep browns and near-black coloration, replicating the mineral-rich preservation seen in authentic fossil specimens.

Specimen Format

• Unmounted study specimen: A standalone skull, ideal for shelves, cases, or custom display setups.

• Desktop-mounted display specimen: Presented on a handmade desktop stand, crafted from wood with brass furnishings and a custom specimen placard — designed to elevate the specimen as a true exhibit piece.

Medium

• Hand-painted resin

Cancellations:

• Cancellations must be requested within 48 hours of order placement.

• Orders that have already shipped cannot be cancelled. Once the item has been delivered, you may request a return if it meets our return eligibility requirements.

Returns & Exchanges:

• To initiate a return, contact us with your order number within 30 days of receiving your order. Most items, including Made to Order products, may be returned if they meet our return eligibility requirements.

  • Personalized or custom items are not be eligible for return.

• We do not offer direct exchanges. If you would like a different item, please return the original item (if eligible) and place a new order.

  
  

Damages:

• If your order arrives damaged, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with your order number and photographs of:

  • The damaged item

  • The shipping box

  • The shipping label

  • The packing materials

• We recommend retaining all original packaging until your order has been inspected and accepted.

For complete details, eligibility requirements, timelines, and exceptions, please read our FULL Shipping and Returns Policy.

This listing is a Made to Order item. Each replica is individually produced, textured, and hand-finished after your order is placed, rather than being pulled from existing inventory.

Current Production Time:

• Estimated Lead Time: __ Weeks

• This item is individually produced after purchase. Production typically requires 2–6 weeks, depending on current studio workload.

General Shipping Policy:

• Every order is carefully inspected and securely packaged to help ensure it arrives safely and ready for display.

Assembly

• Some replicas may arrive partially disassembled to ensure safe transit. Minimal assembly may be required, and clear instructions are included where applicable.

For complete shipping information, delivery estimates, international shipping details, and policies, please read our FULL Shipping and Returns Policy.