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.
Leporicypraea mappa mappa
Suberp fake pattern.
Leporicypraea mappa mappa
Fake number 9. Perfectly done.
Leporicypraea mappa mappa
Heated, the fantastic "pale" mappa.
Leporicypraea mappa mappa
Extended teeth, took days to polish this.
Leporicypraea valentia
A dead shell, repainted and coated with plastic.
Lithoconus leopardus
Polished in order to obtain a "special color" variant.
Lithoconus leopardus
Polished in order to obtain a "special color" variant.
Lithoconus leopardus
Polished in order to obtain a "special color" variant.
Lyncina leviathan
The fake albino.
Lyncina vitellus
Again, these bands are not natural. Very perfect fake.
Malea pomum
Better than anything natural: great pink.
Mauritia arabica arabica
Good idea to join some pink. Looks very strange.
Mauritia mauritiana
Second of its type: the shape of the base has been cut out out in a heavy mauritiana. I was once trapped by this fake (having sold years ago the real thing - I thought this was another one). Fortunately, before selling I detected unusual colour in the grouves (caused by the shell layers) and under the microscope the truth was revealed. Sold to me by another European dealer who got the shell from the faker.
Mauritia mauritiana
Polished based in order to get "extended teeth". Days of polishing. Some of these were sold at high prices on shell shows in Europe.
Mimachlamys sanguinea
Unusual upper valve, very rare colour combination. But the backvalve is yellow and glued from another specimen, in order to render a bivalve sample plausible;
Mitra cardinalis
A polished dead shell.
Mitra cardinalis
A "classic" from 2009. Many sold in Mactan, many to dealers worldwide and visiting collectors. Offered as "a new species".
Mitra cardinalis
A "classic" from 2009. Many sold in Mactan, many to dealers worldwide and visiting collectors. Offered as "a new species".
Mitra mitra
Before turning completely white the mitra gets bright yellow. They thought collectors may be interested.
Mitra mitra
A dead shell, polished. The so-called "yellow form".