Dinosaur for sale

[pwillis@ozemail.com.au (Paul Willis)]

I know that discussion of the sale of specimens is a no-no for this list,
but please bear with me.

The current owner of the type specimen of Kakuru is contemplating selling
it. In order to try and do the right thing by everybody (ie, trying to get
this specimen into an Australian museum and satisfy the current owner) I
would be interested in knowing what museums or private collectors would be
prepared to pay for this specimen from around the world.

I AM NOT WORKING ON A COMMISSION AND WILL NOT DERIVE ANY FINANCIAL BENEFIT
FORM ANY TRANSACTION ARRISING FROM THIS EPISODE.

But, in order to get some idea of the potential value of this specimen so
that we can move to the next level of negotiations, I would really like to
know the range of prices that various institutions or individuals would be
prepared to pay for this specimen. So be realistic! Don't tell me it's
priceless (I know that) unless you can realistically back this up with
cash.

Pictures of the specimen can be seen at

http://www.australia.net.au/~southsky/kakuru.html

And, in order not to unduely influence the value, I can give no more
details other than to note that it is made of opal but not precious opal.

Please keep replies off list and suggested prices will remain confidential.
There is, of course, no obligation involved in suggesting what the specimen
is worth to you or your institution. I am just trying to get some idea of
the potential, realistic value of this specimen on a world market.

Sorry for being so tacky as to introduce this topic to the list, but this
is the real world after all.

Cheers,

Paul


Dr Paul M.A. Willis
Consulting Vertebrate Palaeontologist
Quinkana Pty Ltd
pwillis@ozemail.com.au