Harpa Costata Shell from Mauritius

[delboy59]

Hi all first post on this Forum.

I have a small collection of shells from Mauritius and one of these I believe is a Harpa Costata ( Imperial Harp ) but I am not an expert and request any information that can be given to me as to Specimen and Grading for this shell.

Shell was obtained in 1969 off the North West Coast of  Mauritius in aprox 5 Metres of Water following a Cyclone.

Aprox shell Size:  L74mm X W55mm XH35mm

Picture links attached:

<a href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/3521934" target="_blank"><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/3521934">http://www.badongo.com/pic/3521934</a><!-- m --></a>
<a href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/3521938" target="_blank"><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/3521938">http://www.badongo.com/pic/3521938</a><!-- m --></a>
<a href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/3521951" target="_blank"><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/3521951">http://www.badongo.com/pic/3521951</a><!-- m --></a>
<a href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/3521962" target="_blank"><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/3521962">http://www.badongo.com/pic/3521962</a><!-- m --></a>
<a href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/3521979" target="_blank"><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/3521979">http://www.badongo.com/pic/3521979</a><!-- m --></a>

Thank you for looking and I hope someone can advise.

Derek

[dave r]

Hi Derek you lucky devil! That is one of the nicest H.costata I have ever seen. It seems to be in Gem condition and is a good size and superb colour. It is also missing from my collection! Look after it, that is a very expensive shell. Not that I am jealous you understand<img src="images/smiley/wink.gif" alt="" border="0" />
Cheers, Dave  

[delboy59]

Hi Dave, thanks for the reply which is great news,  my only big problem now is what should I do with this fine specimin which I have had for nearly 40 years in my very small collection not knowing it's true value.  Firstly I think I will touch base with the Natural History Museum in London to see if they would be interested as it obviously needs to go to somewhere it can be properly looked after and for others to see and appreciate.  Also needs an expert eye to correctly evaluate, measure and cataloge for the future.  Thank you again for your comments and most appreciated.  Will keep the Forum advised how I get on.  Best regards.  Derek  

[delboy59]

Hi all, to confirm on my last post, the Natural History Museum, London (UK) have also confirmed that my shell is a Harpa costata (Linnaeus, 1758) also called imperiallis.  So I am well chuffed with confirmations from Dave ( Moderator) and from the NHM. I had a suspicion years ago that this could be a GEM specimin from Mauritius but to have this confirmed now is unbelievable.  Well this obviously now belongs within a better collection than mine so will have to consider advertising here and other Web Sites.

Del  <span class="petit">--Last edited by delboy59 on 2008-05-08 21:45:26 --</span>

[dave r]

Hi Del, if you are looking for a home for it I am honorary curator of Mollusca at the Maidstone Museum and Bentlif art gallery in Maidstone, Kent, England. We have a very extensive shell collection comprising many thousands of all kinds from around the world dating from the mid 1800s to present. We have recently acquired the Damon collection, a very historical collection. We have several type specimens of land and marine mollusca and a very extensive collection of the extinct and protected family Achatinellidae. There is a H. costata in the Damon collection but it would be great to have two of them ( the Damon one is not as good as yours). If you are interested let me know.  
Cheers for now,
Dave

[delboy59]

Hi Dave thanks again for the interest. And a  great offer and opportunity for this to go to a founded collection.  I will give your kind offer consideration and keep on the top of my list but I also need to explore the finacial value of this shell before making rash decissions.  As we have now identified my Harpa Costata should I now start another Post in another area of this Forum or leave this running for the time being.  Will keep you advised.  My email address is: <!-- e --><a href="mailto:derekhill@vodafone.net">derekhill@vodafone.net</a><!-- e -->
Best regards. Del  <span class="petit">--Last edited by delboy59 on 2008-05-11 09:52:50 --</span>

[david touitou]

Hello,

If you want to sell your shell, try first to estimate its price.
You shall try to browse Shell Dealers websites and try to find a GEM specimen the closest possible to the size of your specimen.
I have no idea of its value as I never buy shells  :/

All The best,
DAVID

[delboy59]

Hi David.t
Thanks for your good advise and  that of Dave.r.  Just to confirm I have recently been in contact with the curator of the Natural History Musem, London also Shell Dealers from Europe to test responces etc.  I am in no hurry and it is difficult at this moment in time to put an actual value on this specimin although early indications are enchouraging if I do decide to sell.  I have had several years experience as a buyer and seller on one of the World Wide Auction sites with regards electronc devices but this is a totally different area which I have little or no experiece.  But I am a good learner.

Thanks again for your sound advise.
Derek (Del)

[petershell]

Hi,

If you come to an idea how much do you want for this shell, I am ready to talk about it with you :-)
Contact through the forum or directly: +48 604 166 866

Regards
Peter

[delboy59]

Hi Peter
Sorry for not replying. I have been away for a while and so have only just seen your post. Thanks for your interest in my shell and since reading all the helpful comments and discussed with family I have considered selling but as yet not sure of the true value as I am very aware this is a nice size and quality shell as can be seen from the photos.  To give you some idear I was tempted to place on my eBay listing as one ealier, but smaller specimin sold for over $300(US).  But this could I beleive be risky as you need to generate the right interest.  Please keep in touch if you continue to be interested.  Regards Derek