Lot 384:
Description
A collection of assorted marine shells and botanical specimens comprising a variety of gastropod and bivalve species alongside dried seed pods. The conchological specimens include several Pectinidae scallops with radiating ribs, irregular laminated Ostreidae oyster shells, and various bivalves in cream and grey tones. Gastropods are represented by a spotted cowrie, a white egg cowrie, a large moon snail, and several Muricidae murex-type shells with frilled or spiny projections. One circular specimen features a polished nacreous mother-of-pearl surface with a central aperture.
The botanical interest includes a woody five-valved seed pod, two small brown nut-like seeds, and an elongated black fibrous pod. Several weathered, stony fragments are present, appearing to be fossilised shell fragments or heavily abraded oyster remains. The items are loose specimens and are not accompanied by mounting, display cases, or locality labels. No maker’s marks, signatures, or collection data are present on any of the objects.
Condition report:
The collection is in a varied \'as found\' condition. Several delicate specimens show visible damage, notably the larger murex and moon snail which exhibit chips, cracks, and losses to the edges and spires (photo 1). Many shell surfaces show natural weathering, sand abrasion, and embedded grit consistent with beach-found specimens. The nacreous shell piece has a regular central hole, which is a feature of its worked form rather than a defect (photo 1). The botanical specimens appear dry and stable with no visible signs of infestation or decay.
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