Fake Shells
Fake shells exist since shell collecting exists. However, for several centuries, they were rare. They reappeared in quantity in the shell world recently. This is typical in the world of collectors in periods where demand is high and supply short. You must be prepared when you buy such shells. In some cases, and especially for newcomers, they are occasionally very hard to dismantle. Currently, there are 186 fake shells shown here.
As a specialized collectors company, we do not approve fakes, but we now have to live with the phenomenon. In the meantime we have formed two specialised experts in our company, who can advise you in case of doubts. When consulting them, do not shoot the messenger. Thanks. Contact [email protected] in case you have problems with one or another shell on this level.
Ficadusta pulchella aliguayensis
A dead shell, repainted and with plastic on top.
Flexopteron poppei
This fake has even not one piece of a real shell, except the operculum. Entirely hand-made, looks almost as real.
Guildfordia aculeata
Spines have been sharpened to get a nice 'star effect'
Guildfordia yoka delicata
The so-called "double row of spines freak". One row has been glued on the shell. Magnificent fake.
Harpa articularis
A fake ALBINO shell. First heated to get dirty cream white and then put "on the roof" as they say on Mactan to get perfectly white through intensive sun light.
Harpa harpa
A pale harpa: heating gives this ugly result.
Homalocantha anomaliae
This fake is a classic: it exists for more than ten years and is produced all the time. Pieces sold regularly for over 1000 dollar. The siphonal canal is from an haustellum, the body from scorpio, the wings from zamboi. All coated in plastic and with a fake operculum.
Kioconus shikamai
Polished, the "purple" form.
Kurodaconus andremenezi
A fake ALBINO shell. First heated to get dirty cream white and then put "on the roof" as they say on Mactan to get perfectly white through intensive sun light.
Kurodaconus praecellens
A fake ALBINO shell. First heated to get dirty cream white and then put "on the roof" as they say on Mactan to get perfectly white through intensive sun light.
Lambis crocata
A fake albino. Truly perfect.
Lambis lambis
Treated with acids in order to obtain a special dorsal color.
Lambis lambis
Fake ALBINO & FREAK.
Leporicypraea mappa mappa
Nice fake with pale colour bands. Dream shell.
Leporicypraea mappa mappa
A much sought after fake, but not often available and rather expensive to buy. A dwarf mappa coated with a fake rostration and then painted. Looks almost real. Fortunately the fakers do not know there is no mantle line as such on New Caledonian blacks: their fantasy got wild and they made the fake better and more beautiful than the real thing. Here art starts.
Leporicypraea mappa mappa
Two siphonal ends of the mappa glued together, in resina and then painted and coated. Fantastic nice item and expensive.
Leporicypraea mappa mappa
The base is completely fake. With extended teeth. Hand-polished, it takes three days of work to make such a fake.
Leporicypraea mappa mappa
Entirely colored and replastified.
Leporicypraea mappa mappa
A superb fake pattern (acids and repolished)
Leporicypraea mappa mappa
Extended teeth, polished, a job of three days.