Large Busycon Whelk Shell Sea shell - Busycon contrarium (No reserve price)

04
days
12
hours
32
minutes
38
seconds
Current bid
€ 30
No reserve price
Jonas Rathaj
Expert
Selected by Jonas Rathaj

Has worked with taxidermy since childhood and gained retailer experience.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
FR
€30
PT
€25
PT
€20

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Large Busycon contrarium specimen from Mexico, a sinistral whelk in good condition dating to 2020, authentic/original, weighing 1230 g with dimensions 28.5 × 16 × 13 cm.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Large Busycon contrarium Shell – Sinistral Whelk with Healed Natural Damage – Mexico

An impressive large specimen of Busycon contrarium, the distinctive left-handed whelk known for its sinistral, counter-clockwise coiling.

This example has a strong sculptural form, with a broad body whorl, elongated siphonal canal and a large, smoothly curved aperture. The interior displays warm ivory and cream tones, while the exterior shows soft peach, beige and light brown coloration with natural surface variations developed during the life of the mollusc.

One of the most interesting features of this specimen is a clearly visible area of old shell damage followed by natural regeneration. Irregular healed fractures and renewed calcareous growth can be seen across part of the outer surface, creating a complex pattern that documents the animal’s ability to repair its shell during life.
The shell also shows numerous small traces of marine bioerosion, visible as fine perforations and surface irregularities. These natural features add further scientific and natural history interest to the specimen and are clearly shown in the photographs.

Despite these life-history marks, the shell retains an imposing overall form and an attractive aperture, making it particularly interesting for collectors who appreciate specimens that reveal evidence of survival, growth and interaction with the marine environment.

Shell dimensions: 28.5 × 16 × 13 cm

A fascinating collector’s specimen combining the unusual sinistral morphology of Busycon contrarium with remarkable evidence of natural shell repair and marine history.


Seller's Story

Shipping Restrictions and Right to Cancel the Sale We reserve the right to cancel a sale if the purchased item cannot be legally exported, imported, or shipped to the destination country. This includes, but is not limited to, items subject to regulatory restrictions (such as materials protected under CITES), customs limitations, local prohibitions, or logistical constraints related to the weight, size, or nature of the parcel when carriers do not accept shipments to specific geographic areas. It is the buyer’s responsibility to verify any applicable restrictions in their country before placing a bid. Should shipping prove impossible for legal or operational reasons beyond our control, the order will be cancelled and any payment made will be refunded in accordance with the platform’s procedures. About Latiaxis S.r.l. Latiaxis was founded in Italy by Bruno Briano and family, combining over 40 years of passion and expertise in natural and ethnographic science collections. The diverse offerings include decorative shells, natural stones, museum-grade fossils, taxidermy, and tropical corals to serve a wide audience, from museums and private collectors to enthusiasts and interior designers. Our services extend beyond sales, providing consulting, evaluation, and tailored delivery, all while adhering to international trade laws for endangered species. We are fully licensed and authorized to source and offer all the specimens in our collection and for protected species, we strictly comply with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES is an international agreement between governments, designed to ensure that trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. By adhering to these stringent regulations, especially within European countries, we demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring the responsible sourcing and sale of all items. This dedication provides our clients with the assurance that they are acquiring specimens through legal, environmentally conscious, and trustworthy channels.

Large Busycon contrarium Shell – Sinistral Whelk with Healed Natural Damage – Mexico

An impressive large specimen of Busycon contrarium, the distinctive left-handed whelk known for its sinistral, counter-clockwise coiling.

This example has a strong sculptural form, with a broad body whorl, elongated siphonal canal and a large, smoothly curved aperture. The interior displays warm ivory and cream tones, while the exterior shows soft peach, beige and light brown coloration with natural surface variations developed during the life of the mollusc.

One of the most interesting features of this specimen is a clearly visible area of old shell damage followed by natural regeneration. Irregular healed fractures and renewed calcareous growth can be seen across part of the outer surface, creating a complex pattern that documents the animal’s ability to repair its shell during life.
The shell also shows numerous small traces of marine bioerosion, visible as fine perforations and surface irregularities. These natural features add further scientific and natural history interest to the specimen and are clearly shown in the photographs.

Despite these life-history marks, the shell retains an imposing overall form and an attractive aperture, making it particularly interesting for collectors who appreciate specimens that reveal evidence of survival, growth and interaction with the marine environment.

Shell dimensions: 28.5 × 16 × 13 cm

A fascinating collector’s specimen combining the unusual sinistral morphology of Busycon contrarium with remarkable evidence of natural shell repair and marine history.


Seller's Story

Shipping Restrictions and Right to Cancel the Sale We reserve the right to cancel a sale if the purchased item cannot be legally exported, imported, or shipped to the destination country. This includes, but is not limited to, items subject to regulatory restrictions (such as materials protected under CITES), customs limitations, local prohibitions, or logistical constraints related to the weight, size, or nature of the parcel when carriers do not accept shipments to specific geographic areas. It is the buyer’s responsibility to verify any applicable restrictions in their country before placing a bid. Should shipping prove impossible for legal or operational reasons beyond our control, the order will be cancelled and any payment made will be refunded in accordance with the platform’s procedures. About Latiaxis S.r.l. Latiaxis was founded in Italy by Bruno Briano and family, combining over 40 years of passion and expertise in natural and ethnographic science collections. The diverse offerings include decorative shells, natural stones, museum-grade fossils, taxidermy, and tropical corals to serve a wide audience, from museums and private collectors to enthusiasts and interior designers. Our services extend beyond sales, providing consulting, evaluation, and tailored delivery, all while adhering to international trade laws for endangered species. We are fully licensed and authorized to source and offer all the specimens in our collection and for protected species, we strictly comply with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES is an international agreement between governments, designed to ensure that trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. By adhering to these stringent regulations, especially within European countries, we demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring the responsible sourcing and sale of all items. This dedication provides our clients with the assurance that they are acquiring specimens through legal, environmentally conscious, and trustworthy channels.

Details

Era
After 2000
Specimen
Large Busycon Whelk Shell
Scientific name
Busycon contrarium
Country of origin
Mexico
Condition
Good condition
Year
2020
Weight
1230 g
Authenticity
Original/official
ItalyVerified
11870
Objects sold
100%
protop

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