If you are looking for the hobby of hobbies here it is. Collecting Specimen shells is that one hobby you will never exhaust or find boring. The word ‘specimen’ shell is used to designate shells that are rare, scarce, and not the type you find on the beach. As a general rule they are gem quality. Many of them will have their operculum’s (trapdoors) displayed with them.

When you see a shell displayed with its original trap door or operculum, this shell was not one that washed up onto the beach and been laying there for a long time. It is often a shell that divers bring in and remove the meat for food and save the shell to sell. They cut off the operculum prior to eating the flesh of the animal inside the shell. One shell in particular that the practice of cutting the trapdoor off of the foot of the animal for resale is the turbo petholatus or cats eye shell. Many shell collectors become so knowledgeable about the animals in the shells that they can identify the species of shell by merely looking at the operculum. Many shell animals do not have a trapdoor but are equipped with other defense mechanisms.

Another feature of specimen shells is that they are cataloged with their family name, species, locality found, and identifier. The main purpose of this is to assist your research in learning more about the shell. Learning about the shell is where the fun of the hobby begins. I guess having been a school teacher for years I just naturally equate Specimen Shells with Learning. When I acquire a new shell I begin to ask myself specific questions about the shell such as:

Where did this shell come from? Not only does this lead me to want to know about the environment the shell was found in at the time it was removed from the ocean, but the country and its people nearby. Often you will find a particular shell is indigenous to a single locality and it has become a part of the culture and economy of that area.

What did the animal look like and what specific habits did the animal that lived in the shell have? This leads you to investigate what the animal ate, how it moved around, reproduced, and other distinguishing traits. As you pursue this field of study you become involved in environmental studies that make you aware of many things such as climatic changes and manmade pollution that has caused a decline in shell production. This in itself is an endless study. It is two sided in that the habits of man, as well as shell animals, is often the culprit that is responsible for destruction of an environment conductive to shell production or sea life. The destruction caused by the introduction of the Zebra Mussel in the Great Lakes and the over-collecting of the Triton Trumpet, the natural enemy of the Crown of Thorns Star Fish are, two classic examples.

What makes this shell different from other shells? As I look at the shell I can see features that set it apart from other shells. You learn that the empty shells fit into specific families that house specific animals with identifiable traits. It is interesting to notice that each shell formation is designed by the animal that lives inside of it to handle its needs. This makes us aware that a shell is someone’s house they designed and decorated. It is even more interesting to note that each species of shells not only has identical habits but identifiable marks, notches, colors, and openings particular to it. When I hold a shell in my hand it is a testimony that there is a God in Heaven who created all things after its’ own kind. I guess you would say that each shell family has its own God-given DNA just as humans have.

What historical significance does this shell have? Seeking the answer to this question reveals some very fascinating revelations. Things such as how shells were used as a form of money in many cultures as well as to distinguish the owners position in life. You will find there are many folktales and legends about various shells. One particular area of interest I found is how, throughout the years, shells were used as symbols in religious ceremonies and even thought to possess magical powers. In some instances wars were fought over who controlled shell beds.

Is this shell beneficial or harmful to mankind? More and more researchers are finding that shells and their by products are beneficial to make life more healthy and enjoyable for mankind. Extensive studies of the animals inside the shells have lead to great advances in medical science. Shells have served as inspiration for artists, designers, inventors, and architects. Not every shell animal is considered harmless. There are some, such as the cone shells, that can inflict a wound that will kill. Just as man has his defense mechanisms so do shells.

These questions and many others concerning each shell are what make specimen shell collecting an interesting hobby. I remind you once again that in no way do I profess to be an expert when it comes to shells. I merely enjoy collecting and sharing their beauty with all who visit with me at the Old Gray House.

I am listing below a few of the Specimen Shells I have available for sale in my Specimen Shell Shack. I do not sell shells on-line. If you have particular shell you desire let me know before you come to visit the Old Gray House. I will endeavor to have it available for you. Click Here to contact me.