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.
Rhombiconus distans
Polished to obtain this exceptional color.
Rhombiconus distans
Polished to obtain this exceptional color.
Rhombiconus imperialis imperialis
Two Conus imperialis make this perfect sinistral shell.
Rolaniconus coccineus
Pattern obtained by heating.
Spondylus multimuricatus
The few, less than a dozen ever found, YELLOW multimuricatus all obtained big prices on Mactan. So, why not give it a try. This shell has an unusual colour, obtained by heating, but the result is far away from the yellow multimuricatus.
Strategoconus generalis
Polished to obtain this exceptional color.
Strategoconus litteratus
Polished in order to obtain a "special color" variant.
Strombus luhuanus
A special dorsal color, acids and repolished.
Terebra maculata
Polished, the special color form.
Terebra maculata
Polished, the special color form.
Thylacodes colubrinus
This is a magnificent fake: two different Vermetus glued together in order to obtain a bicolor Serpulorbis.
Tritonoturris poppei
Protoconch whorls are entirely remade.
Turbinella fusus
Polished in order to obtain a perfect beauty.
Turriconus excelsus
A dead shell, entirely painted pattern and varnished.
Turris hidalgoi
The fakers thought that some purple on this Turris may render the shell what it lost in quality.
Vasum turbinellus
Artificial brown turbinellum. The real thing exists, but is quite uncommon.
Vexillum costatum
This fake I made myself in order to distinguish it from a true Vexillum in description now.
Vexillum strnadi
Out of acids, a fantastic special shell.
Virgiconus virgo
The very well done left handed virgo. A similar specimen was sold to an experimented dealer one year ago for 400 $. (The price setting should have warned the dealer: local dealers will not sell a real left handed virgo that cheap !!) Consists of two parts of different shells glued together, the change well hidden below a fake periostracum.
Virgiconus virgo
Upper part of the body whorl heated. Great shell as such.