Hi
We were cleaning out the basement of the home we recently purchased and came across a box full of large and beautiful shells. I recognize a few of these shells types, but would like your assistance in identifying them.  Also if you have any thoughts on their condition/value, please let me know.

http://www.badongo.com/pic/763019
http://www.badongo.com/pic/763022
http://www.badongo.com/pic/763028
http://www.badongo.com/pic/763032
http://www.badongo.com/pic/763046
http://www.badongo.com/pic/763048
http://www.badongo.com/pic/763059

We enjoyed your site. Thanks.

Hi Folks,

Welcome to the site.  OK, here we go ...

1. Charonia tritonis, Pacific Trumpet Triton, fairly common Indo-Pacific reef-dwelling species. Protected by law in many parts of its range because it feeds on the big crown-of-thorns starfish which, if uncontrolled, can decimate a reef in short order.

2. Cymbiola nobilis (Voluta nobilis), Noble Volute, common species from the southwest Pacific area, especially from Singapore to Thailand. Most specimens in collections are from Thailand.

3. (L) Phalium glaucum, Gray Bonnet, common Indo-Pacific species.
   (R) Conus marmoreus, Marble Cone, common Indo-Pacific species.

4. Melo broderipii, Broderip's Volute, common species from the central western Pacific, usually from the Philippines.

5. Chicoreus ramosus (Murex ramosus), Ramose Murex or Branch Murex, common Indo-Pacific species.

6. Melo melo, Indian Volute, common species from the western Pacific, from the South China Sea to Singapore.

7. Syrinx aruanus, Australian Trumpet, fairly common species from northern Australia. This is the largest gastropod (snail type) species in the world, reaching up to 30 inches in length.

You should be able to find more information on most of these by entering the scientific name into Google.

As far as values go, the Charonia could be worth $50 to $75 if it is in prime condition. It looks pretty good in this view but of course I can't see the other side, and there could be small flaws I can't see in the picture. The Syrinx would be worth about the same amount, maybe a little more, in prime condition, but these are seldom specimen quality. The tip of the spire is eroded away, but that is usually the case in large specimens of this species. The lip of these shells is usually sanded smooth because it is quite thin and subject to chipping. Such sanding reduces the value for serious collectors. None of the other shells would be worth more than a few dollars. Cheers!  

--Last edited by Paul Monfils on 2007-06-24 05:15:51 --

Thanks Paul! Now we know what we're looking at and where it came from.

We appreciate your speedy response!