Among the natural wonders to be auctioned Dec. 3 in Los Angeles are two saber-toothed tiger skeletons and several fossilized dinosaur eggs preserved in a raptor’s nest, according to Bonhams & Butterfields.

The museum-quality raptor nest and eggs, complete with fossilized embryos, are expected to bring $180,000 to $220,000, according to the auction house, which noted that the eggs have already been examined by paleontologists. A scientific paper on the find is due out soon.

One of the largest fossilized garfishes ever unearthed, in Wyoming’s famed Green River Formation, could bring up to $100,000, and a nearly complete prehistoric turtle is expected to bring $60,000 to $80,000, Bonhams & Butterfields spokesperson said.

The fossilized remains of two saber-toothed cats from the Oligocene epoch, 23-43 million years ago, are expected to bring around $40,000 each.

Other items to be auctioned include a decorative fossils, mineral specimens, gold and lapidary works of art. An illustrated catalogue can be found online at www.bonhams.com/us, and previews start Nov. 30 at Bonhams & Butterfields, 7601 Sunset Blvd.

Posted: 11|25|06 at 12:44 pm. Filed under: Auction News.