[NHCOLL-L:3050] mystery fossil

[Tim Cashatt]

Colleagues:

It is not often that someone comes through the door with something for 
us to identify that stumps all of us!  This fossil came from an 
engineering company that was excavating for a parking lot in South 
Carolina.  I have no further informationat this time except that the 
owner (not us) wants to retain it.  Could this be from a marine fish?  
The "teeth" at the ends are enamel and are splitting apart. The smaller 
"teeth" along the U-shaped shaft also appear to have a thin enamel layer.

An identification would be much appreciated.  Two immages are posted at 
the following website:
http://www.museum.state.il.us/ismdepts/zoology/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=33&g2_navId=xfab2219e

Please excuse the cross posting.

Tim
-- 

Everett D. (Tim) Cashatt, Ph.D.
Chair and Curator of Zoology
Illinois State Museum
Research and Collection Center
1011 E. Ash Street
Springfield, IL  62703
Tel. (217) 782-6689
FAX  (217) 785-2857
http://www.museum.state.il.us/research/entomology/index.html