Lot 16
SKULL OF A SABRE-TOOTH TIGER, AMPTHIMACHAIRODUS
LATE MIOCENE - EARLY PLEISTOCENE EPOCH, 9.8 - 4.4 MILLION YEARS B.P.
Auction: 26 November 2026 from 14:00 GMT
Description
Amphimachairodus, a complete skull with large canines, raised on a bespoke mount
Dimensions
36cm width, canines 9cm tall
Provenance
Private collection, United Kingdom, acquired 2021, previously in a private collection since 1979
Footnote
Amphimachairodus was a large sabre-toothed cat of the late Miocene to early Pliocene, and one of the dominant ambush predators of its ecosystems. It is best known for its long, blade-like upper canines, used to deliver powerful close-range killing bites. Its hunting style likely relied on stealth and short explosive attacks rather than sustained pursuit. It belongs to the same broader sabre-toothed cat group as later forms such as the famous Ice Age predator Smilodon.