A pair of engraved Nautilus shell, Nautilus Pompilius
A pair of engraved Nautilus shell, Nautilus Pompilius
The upper shell pierced and engraved, with the crest cut into a fan pattern, mounted on to another engraved shell.
Estimate:
£400 - 600
€470 - 700
US$ 600 - 910

Footnotes

  • Nautilus shells were first imported from the East Indies into Holland in the late 17th century. Peeled by acids to reveal the underlying mother of pearl which was then carved or engraved and often mounted on precious metal stands. English examples tend to date from the early 19th century. This example is though to be the survivor of a pair.

Category: Natural History


Auction terms and conditions

Contacts

Lionel Willis Bonhams
Work
Montpelier Street
London, SW7 1HH
United Kingdom
Work +44 20 7393 3804
FaxFax: +44 20 7393 3873
Specialist - Natural History