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Sold for: £46
A collection of geological and paleontological specimens housed within two vintage wooden display cases. The collection includes multiple ammonites of varying sizes, featuring characteristic spiral ribbing, with some specimens partially embedded in a limestone matrix. Also included are bivalve fossils, possible brachiopods, and a cylindrical specimen that may be a belemnite or fossilized stem section. The geological portion comprises two polished rectangular slabs of igneous rock; one is a light-coloured, coarse-grained granite showing quartz, feldspar, and mica crystals, while the second is a darker, fine-grained rock such as gabbro or basalt. Several unworked mineral and rock fragments showing crystalline structures and flint-like fractures are also present. The specimens are contained within two dark-stained wooden cases originally manufactured for Henri Wintermans cigars. One case features a glazed hinged lid with internal wooden dividers, bearing the printed text HENRI WINTERMANS on the front lower edge. The second case is a larger wooden chest with sixteen small square compartments and one larger side compartment. A small piece of vintage paper is visible in one compartment.
Condition report:
The specimens are in stable condition with natural wear, fragmentation, and accumulated dust consistent with geological samples. The wooden cases show significant signs of age and use, including scuffing, scratches, and loss of finish to the edges. One glazed box has white paint spatters on the outer frame (photo 1). The internal dividers are intact but dusty. The glass on the display boxes is clouded with dust and grime (photo 4). One compartment in the open box contains a piece of crumpled vintage newsprint (photo 2).
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