Elasmosaurus platyurus

Part of the ANCIENT WATERS Exhibit

Late Cretaceous Period, approx. 80-66 million years ago

1:2 Scale Skull Replica

SPECIMEN PROFILE

Elasmosaurus platyurus was a large marine reptile that inhabited the shallow inland seas covering much of Late Cretaceous North America. As a member of the plesiosaur group, it evolved an extremely elongated neck paired with a compact body and four powerful flippers, creating one of the most distinctive body plans in marine vertebrate history.

Its long, flexible neck contained dozens of vertebrae, allowing for subtle, precise movements used to approach prey without disturbing the surrounding water. The small head housed sharp, conical teeth adapted for capturing fish and soft-bodied marine organisms. Despite its length, the neck was not used for rapid striking but likely functioned as a stealthy feeding extension, enabling Elasmosaurus to exploit prey at a distance from its main body mass.

COLLECTOR & CURATOR NOTE

A striking long-necked marine reptile of the Late Cretaceous—its extreme neck elongation and flipper-driven locomotion represent one of the most specialized body plans in prehistoric ocean ecosystems.

CONSTRUCTION & DISPLAY

Scale

• 1:2, approx. 11.8 in or 30 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.