Rough appraisal of shells needed

[ray]

Hi Everyone!

I am new to the forum and posting. This is my second try at attempting to post. If my first post appears sometime down the line, please except my apologies in advance.

<img src="images/smiley/confused.gif" alt="" border="0" /> I am in need of someone that can help me identify and place a rough value on my mothers shell collection for a reasonable price. My mother loved her shells but unfortunately both of my parents passed away and I must sell them to help pay for medical expenses. I know that she has been collecting for years and that my Uncle, while in the service would bring her shells home from time to time. She has about 200 - 300 shells. Thank you in advance for any help available.

[paul monfils]

Where are you located?

[ray]

I am located in Florida. I can send pictures of shells if needed. Thank you for your reply.

[paul monfils]

An appraisal based on pictures would be quite rough. A shell that is worth $100 in prime condition might be worth half that if it has one small chip or other flaw, and such details are easy to overlook in a picture. And, the shell might be worth twice its normal value if it is exceptional in color and size. And of course the pictures would have to be detailed enough to ensure that the species can be correctly identified. Sometimes two similar species can be quite different in value. One shot showing a group of 30 or 40 shells would not provide the necessary information. If you want to post a few pictures here as a "test run", feel free to do so. Or you can email some pics to me directly. <!-- e --><a href="mailtoaulCyp@cox.net">PaulCyp@cox.net</a><!-- e -->

Another possible source of help might be one of the local shell collectors' clubs. You can find a number of them listed here: <a href="http://www.conchologistsofamerica.org/clubs/" target="_blank"><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.conchologistsofamerica.org/clubs/">http://www.conchologistsofamerica.org/clubs/</a><!-- m --></a>
If you contact the Florida club closest to you, they may be able to recommend someone locally who would be willing to do a "hands on" evaluation.  <span class="petit">--Last edited by Paul Monfils on 2008-03-28 22:34:55 --</span>

[ray]

Thank you for your reply. I will try what you have suggested. I understand why the pictures will not work. Thank you again for your help.

[dave r]

Hi Ray, try the Jacksonville Shell Club, I believe they are based in Florida and they are very helpful.
Dave.