I have found the methods suggested by Paul and John (soaking in water and
flushing) to work just about 99% of the time (patience and change water
often).  For the remaining 1%, Susan's desiccation with alcohol method does
it (as long as the shell will be stored in a low humidity environment - what
desiccates can hydrate).

Good luck.

Marlo

-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Martin Walker
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2014 7:02 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [CONCH-L] Malodorous acquisitions

I have acquired seashells (esp. cones, but not exclusively) from overseas
dealers that, a year after acquisition, smell terrible when released from
their ziplock bags. The shells look fine, operculum on cotton wool, and
perfectly clean-looking. I have been resoaking in methylated spirits for a
couple of days, but this doesn't always fix the smell.
I am careful to rotate the shells into the meths to allow it to penetrate up
the to the higher whorls.
Has anyone any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance,
Martin

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