The invertebrate and large foraminifer fossils in the paleontological collection Georg Gasser (1857–1931)

The paleontological collection of Georg Gasser gives important insights in the fossiliferous sites of the 19th and 20th century, and the fossils collected and studied during that time interval. With about 90% the invertebrates represent the biggest part of the paleozoological specimens. All major groups are represented, although there is a clear predominance of molluscs reflecting Gasser’s particular predilection for these animals. Although 45 % of the finds suffer a lack of information on the labels. The collections give us nonetheless a picture of the main areas of provenance for the fossils and an hint on Gasser’s compositional idea regarding the collection. A close connection between Gasser and the German-speaking areas in Europe as primary source of the specimens is evident, with only rare exotic exceptions represented by some localities in America, Africa or in the Atlantic Ocean. This work is based on a preliminary study, realized with the aim of promoting insights and favor the divulgation of the historical content of this paleontological heritage.