Hello folks, As to cleverly repaired shells, I seem to remember that that's one of the things that Pt Egano, PI was always rather famous for. And how about the "rice paper" epitonium? If any of them were still around they would be by far more valuable than the shell they were counterfeiting. I have always been rather intrigued by the historical background of the shell collecting passion...a wonderful combinatin of conchology, malacology and financial dealings. Isn't that how Shell Oil Co. got it's start? Patti ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com