The Raptor

Christie’s is proud to present the first Raptor skeleton to come to auction. There are only three skeletons of Deinonychus antirrhopus known, and this is the most complete. Living in the Early Cretaceous, approximately 115 – 108 million years ago, Deinonychus was an agile, pack-hunting predator, and the most feared—and smartest—animal of its time.  Known for its swift gait, lethal sickle claws and potent kick all housed in an elegant, compact frame, Deinonychus was an incredibly sophisticated dinosaur species. First discovered in the 1960s, its bird-like limbs gave rise to the “Dinosaur Renaissance”. Today we understand that these apex predators were warm-blooded and feathered. Made famous as the “Velociraptor” in the Jurassic Park franchise, it is one of the most iconic and sought-after dinosaur species, and this is the only specimen in private hands.

Explore: 20th/21st Century at Christie's New York