I have a copy of Walter Freeman Webb's Handbook for Shell Collectors,
copyright 1948, which illustrates over 2,000 species of shells, primarily by
line drawings, but there are also several black & white photographic plates.
Many of the species names he uses, and even a number of the genus names are
now invalid; but for me at least, therein lies the value of the book.  It is
extremely useful for looking up old names seldom found in print.  Then, using
the illustrations as a guide, figuring out the current name for the same
shell.
Here are some biographical notes, taken from the first edition of American
Malacologists:
Walter Freeman Webb, born May 28, 1869
Natural History Dealer, Nurseryman, Shell Dealer
Began collecting and selling bird's eggs at age 13, sold over 20,000 eggs.
In 1893, had commercial exhibit at World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Opened a shop in Albion, NY, 1895-1905, publishing the magazine The Museum.
Bought and sold shell collections, including those of James Lewis, Gude,
Quadras, and John Ritchie.
Moved to St. Petersburg, FL in 1946, continued shell and coin business.
Became America's largest shell dealer, having about 25,000 species in stock in
1930.
Member and co-founder of St. Petersburg Shell Club.
Died June 1957, at age 88, in St. Petersburg, FL.
 
Paul M.