Rare fossil turtle, 'Allaecochelys crasseculptata', Messel pit, approx. 49 million years old, completely preserved on both sides; exceptionally fine details of raised bone structure visible; Find from 1972,prepared using the reburial plastic transfer method, size of the fossil 10.5x9 cm, museum-worthy; cf. Lit.: Messel; a showcase into the history of life and the earth, 1988 p. 102

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.