I found this ancient looking bone in a creek that empties into the lower Meramec River, near St.Louis MO.
After soaking in soapy water overnight and lightly scrubbing, the following carving began to appear. It looks like a turtle or a fish to me. How about you?
I thought it was a fish at first, but after looking at it more closely I think it looks more like an alligator snapping turtle to me. I would catch huge alligator snapping turtles in that same stretch of creek that I found the bone in 30 years ago.
I thank you all for any insight gained from this forum. Aside from gaining more historical perspective, I would also like to know how I should proceed with a deeper cleaning of the bone.
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After soaking in soapy water overnight and lightly scrubbing, the following carving began to appear. It looks like a turtle or a fish to me. How about you?
I thought it was a fish at first, but after looking at it more closely I think it looks more like an alligator snapping turtle to me. I would catch huge alligator snapping turtles in that same stretch of creek that I found the bone in 30 years ago.
I thank you all for any insight gained from this forum. Aside from gaining more historical perspective, I would also like to know how I should proceed with a deeper cleaning of the bone.
View attachment 1805203 View attachment 1805216 View attachment 1805215 View attachment 1805214 View attachment 1805213 View attachment 1805212 View attachment 1805211 View attachment 1805210 View attachment 1805204 View attachment 1805217
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