Barbara,

I agree with Rika in everything said.  I would like to add that the slit
shell should be thin and light weight.  Most fakes are rather heavy as they
are made out of the larger trochids.  Pale orange doesn't sound as much like
P. westralis as it does P. africanus (except the size is way too big -- in
fact, a bit large for either one).  You might try Guido Poppe's web site.
He has plenty of images of the different Pleurotomaria shells.  Go to
http://www.conchology.uunethost.be/ , then select "Cyberconchology," then
"gastropods," and then Pleurotomaria.  If you have any problems, write to me
off list at [log in to unmask] and I can forward any images you may need.
Last, data is important and becomes more so the longer you dabble in shells.
However, there is nothing wrong with a nice looking display shell that has
no data -- if the price is right.  If it is as large as you say and in good
shape, then $25 to $50 would certainly be within reason for what will
basically be a shelf ornament.

Tom Eichhorst in New Mexico, USA (with 60 MPH winds today!!)

----- Original Message -----
From: Fernand De Donder <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 18, 2000 4:02 PM
Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] Slit shell


> Dear Barbara,
>
> It sounds like your slit shell is a westralis.  (5 inches would be big for
> an africana).  Westralis is the most common slit shell and is worth about
> 55 to 95 dollar in F+/gem condition with complete data.  A shell without
> data has no real collector or scientific value to me and I think if you
> spend much money on a shell it is better to save up to buy a real nice
> specimen in F+/Gem condition.  Many starting collectors spend money on
> second rate shells and then when they become more advanced they sort of
> regret these purchases.  Of course is the price is really low...
>
> Regarding the fake slit shells you should not really worry if the shell
you
> saw came from an old collection and is not in very good condition.  Fake
> shells tend to be nicer than the real thing.
>
> Hope this information will help you out a bit and good luck with the
shell,
> Rika
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *********************************************************
>
> Fernand De Donder & Rika Goethaels
> Melsbroeksestraat 21
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> BELGIUM
> tel 0032 (0)2 253 99 54
> fax 0032 (0)2 252 37 15
> Specimen shells & books on shells, free lists on request
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>