Pantelosaurus restoration

The preservation of the famous pelycosaur slab from Freital (Germany) had caused problems since its preparation until 1924. Not only did it contain pyrite, which was feared to decay and thus decompose the entire fossil. The slab had also been stored improperly for a long time after its laborious recovery. In the 1960s, despite protective measures, sulphatic efflorescence occurred, which caused quite a stir. One expertise predicted complete decay. The removal of the new mineral formations and subsequent varnish sealing were suitable as a rescue attempt. During the scientific re-examination starting in 2008, almost none of this efflorescence was found, but larger cracks and detached blocks. By the time of the restoration in 2024, however, it was possible to document that the condition had not changed since then. Instead, the restoration revealed that some areas that were disintegrating had simply been glued with varnish in the 1970s. The maximum removal of the old coating and previously unknown repainted areas was followed by the plastic reconstruction of the damaged areas. Today, the impregnation is renewed and the artificial bed is additionally stabilized. Due to the merely episodic efflorescence and cracking, the sulphidic composition can be assessed more optimistically here than in many marine fossils. (The image showing F.Spindler was taken by Manuel Lapp, LfULG / Geol. Survey of Saxony)

get article via researchgate: Spindler, F. (2016): Morphological description and taxonomic status of Palaeohatteria and Pantelosaurus (Synapsida: Sphenacodontia). Freiberger Forschungshefte C, 550(23): 1-57.

see also replication project  / public talk about the entire story
see specimen drawing