Lost Treasure: The Maxberg Archaeopteryx Specimen

Only a few Archaeopteryx fossils exist, and one of these, known as the Maxberg Specimen has been missing since 1991.  The fossils are highly valuable and significant for the study of transition between non-avian feathered dinosaurs to modern birds.  The Archaeopteryx is often considered the oldest known bird, and with today’s newest technology, much could be learned from the lost treasure of the Maxberg specimen.  Where it is today, is a mystery.  If it is found, it might be worth millions.

The Archaeopteryx is believed to have been a bird about the size of a raven.  Its name derives from Greek, meaning ancient wing, and most of the fossils found, were from a quarry near Solnhofen, Germany.  The first Archaeopteryx fossil unearthed was that of a feather in 1860 by Christian Erich Hermann von Meyer.  Hermann von Meyer learned shortly after this find, that a skeleton fossil was found as well.  His early writings about the discoveries coined the name, Archaeopteryx,  for this exciting new-found species.

The currently missing Maxberg Specimen wasn’t discovered until 1956. It was found by two quarry workers, Ernst Fleisch and Karl Hinterholzinger, who weren’t sure of what it was.  The owner of the quarry, Eduard Opitsch, took the specimen and allowed it to be studied. It was realized to be an Archaeopteryx, and Opitsch initially gave permission for his all important fossil to be displayed at the Maxberg Museum.

Fortunately, during this time at the museum, high-quality casts were made of the fossil, because soon after the casting, and with the discovery of another more complete Archaeopteryx fossil, Opitsch removed his artifact from the museum and wouldn’t allow further study.  He became very possessive of the fossil and stubborn about it.

When Eduard Opitsch died in 1991, the Maxberg Specimen could not be found.  Although it was reported stolen by Opitsch’s only heir, and an investigation pursued, nothing was found.  The last time it was reported seen was under the bed of Opitsch shortly before his death.  Where did it go? Was it stolen? Did Opitsch hide it somewhere or sell it? No one knows.

Like many lost or stolen items, they have a way of resurfacing in the most unusual places.  Consider the lost 1887 Faberge Gold Egg found in 2012.  Here is a story of a treasure valued at around 33 million dollars which was thought destroyed in the 1917 Russian Revolution, but later found at an USA flea market.  The buyer of the egg was going to melt it down for the value of gold it contained.  However, before doing so, he did some research on google, and the gold egg he held in his hand looked exactly like one of the lost Faberge Eggs.  Because it was.

Stories like the above happen, and so it is not impossible the Maxberg Specimen could be found at some oddities flea market or some other unusual place.  Be on the look out.  If you find it, it is a million dollar treasure worth saving.

Best of luck to all you seek.  Always Treasure the Adventure!