Monday 3rd August - Antiques, Jewellery, Militaria, Coins, Vinyl, Toys, Ceramics, Collectables

Monday 3rd August - Antiques, Jewellery, Militaria, Coins, Vinyl, Toys, Ceramics, Collectables

Catalogue

Lot 221: A Trio of Large Decorative Marine Gastropod Shells Including Bullmouth Helmet and Lightning Whelk

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Start price: £15

Estimated price: £20 - £30

Buyer's Premium:

A trio of large marine gastropod shells presented as natural history specimens. The collection comprises three distinct species. The first is a Lightning Whelk (Sinistrofulgur sinistrum), a sinistral or left-handed spiral shell featuring a creamy-white to pale tan exterior with visible natural growth bands and a spired shoulder. The interior aperture is smooth and glazed white with cream undertones. The second specimen is a Bullmouth Helmet or Red Helmet shell (Cassis rufa), a heavy, thick-walled shell with a polished orange-apricot parietal shield and outer lip. The aperture is lined with distinct dark brown and white denticles, and the dorsal side features rows of prominent knobs and mottled brown patterning. The third item is a large Abalone or Paua shell (Haliotis sp.) of ear-shaped form. The interior is lined with a layer of iridescent nacre displaying shades of green, blue, silver, and pink. The exterior retains a natural, rough texture with characteristic respiratory pores along the margin.

Lightning Whelk: approximately 20cm – 25cm in length.