This could possibly be the oldest elephant fossil ever.
This was found in Fruita CO, a place known for its Jurassic Era fossils, sitting near the Morrison Formation. The closest looking thing that I've found online was a Paleomasterdon, with its shorter trunk, tusk positions, and similar appearance. However the Paleomasterdon lived 33-23Mya in Africa, putting it outside of the physical location as well as the timeframe of the other fossils found in this area from the Morrison Formation, 165-145 mya. The first elephant was Eritherium dating back to 60 mya in Morocco, but lacked a trunk and was the size of a fox. Proportionally to the head of the elephant fossil that I have, the body would have easily been bigger than a fox, also you can clearly see a trunk visible. I believe that I may have 2 other fossils with trunk like structures, which would mean that it maybe a new species, re-writing the history books for elephants. The fossil appears to be a ancient elephant head, with tusks, teeth, trunk, eyes, and a clearly visible trunk, with airholes at the tip of the trunk. The features of the elephant that I have looks very similar to images that I was able to find online of a PaleoMasterdon. The fossil also appears to have its skin attached as well as either hair or feathers on its skin.
10"H x 13"L x 6" 32.9 LBS
Inherited
Yes
Unauthenticated mammalian fossil slab
Southwestern United States, Colorado Plateau
Cretaceous Period (66 million years ago) (possible Campanian)
Appears to have a thin layer of residual matrix over a bone fossil. However; this can also occur in geologic concretions or chert nodules found in limestone deposits. An X-ray scan of the specimen or in-person assessment will assist in identifying age and if the specimen is geologic or biologic in development.
From Images alone, I cannot give complete accuracy to you finding; but I do not disregard your research and the possibility that your example does have biological materials.
“The Fossil Forum” is open to research and asking questions on fossils; the link will open to their dinosaur egg guide. While posing a question on the form is open to all responses; many are well researched and provide additional peer reviewed articles. http://www.thefossilforum.com
In person authentication, age, and origin will affect the possible value of this example. I do suggest you look to the fossil form and ask for an in-person assessment with a regional University Geology department or Natural History Museum. Often, these organizations will host experts in paleontology to review public finds. Researching current auction price results of Fossils; the expected fair market value would be in the range of 50 to 125 USD. With an in-person authentication to verify the specimens: a FMV could be achieved. It is important to recognize local, state, and US federal laws and prohibitions of sale and shipment of Fossils and Paleontology items.
