Hello Jordan,

The Shell Factory in North Ft. Myers is still in business.
I was a regular visitor there 20 to 30 years ago.
Today it does not compare to what it was in the 1970s and 1980s.
The specimen cabinets do not have the variety of species as in the past and
the prices are high compared to the specimen dealers on Sanibel.
The bin shells also do not contain the variety of species that we found in
the past, nor the quality.
I have been there twice in the past six months and did not purchase anything
either time.

Your best bet is to drive the 20 miles extra to Sanibel.
Showcase Shells (Al Deynzer) and Sanibel Seashell Industries (Larry Strange)
have the shops with the best museum quality specimens.
Donald Dan is another source for high quality specimens; however, you would
have to schedule an appointment.
Those mentioned have been extremely reliable in providing specimens with
accurate data and history that can be used for research.
There are also many other shops on Sanibel that carry commercial shells and
crafting supplies.

I hope that this response meets with the guidelines of Conch-L.
It is not intended to be advertising, only advice.



Best wishes,



Dennis Sargent

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