{"title":"Currated Collections","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand-selected sets, mixed treasure bags, and exclusive gift sets including the Pacific Formosan collection, beautifully grouped to take the guesswork out of collecting.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-formosa-sea-shell-collection","title":"Rare 1950s Pacific Shell Set – The Formosan Collection","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn total we discovered 46 sets, two of which were opened for research, so just 44 sealed examples remain. When these are gone, this particular find is finished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Formosa Shell Collection\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eA 1950s Pacific Natural History Set, Rediscovered\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile sorting through long forgotten boxes of old stock, we uncovered a small number of mid twentieth century shell specimen sets, still sealed in their original 1950s plastic wrapping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile these sets were assembled on the island now known as Taiwan widely referred to in the West at the time as Formosa,they are not limited to local waters. These collections were curated to showcase the incredible biodiversity of the wider Pacific region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom familiar coastal species to rare, delicate forms gathered from across the Pacific, these sets offer a curated snapshot of 1950s marine collecting. Each sealed, original package is a 70 year old time capsule of the Pacific's natural history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOpening the Set\u003c\/b\u003e Many of the shells are still wrapped in their original brown paper inside the sealed bag. Opening one feels like stepping back into the 1950s. The paper, the printing, and the slightly formal species list are all part of the experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat You’ll Receive\u003c\/b\u003e • \u003cb\u003e50 original shell specimens\u003c\/b\u003e A varied mix of gastropods and bivalves, including the Formosan Mitre, Shuttlecock Volva, Cuming’s Nutmeg and many more. • \u003cb\u003eOriginal Identification Sheet\u003c\/b\u003e The original 54 x 39 cm chart included with the mid-century sets. It features the vintage Taiwanese\/Formosan script and the outdated historical scientific names. • \u003cb\u003eAn exclusive A3 identification sheet\u003c\/b\u003e Produced by us at Devon Fox. We have retained the character of the original 1950s imagery while updating the scientific names and adding clear English common names to make identification far easier. • \u003cb\u003eThe story behind the find\u003c\/b\u003e The reverse of the poster features the original 1950s sales sheet and explains how we rediscovered and researched these sets. • \u003cb\u003eAccess to our online colour cheat sheet\u003c\/b\u003e Using actual shells from the packets, we have created a clearer photographic guide to help with identification: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/shop.devonfox.co.uk\/pages\/formosanshells\" title=\"Shell Collection help page\"\u003eFormosanshells\u003c\/a\u003e There is also a slightly chaotic video on our Facebook page of the two of us attempting to match them up. It did not go smoothly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlease Read Before Purchasing\u003c\/b\u003e These are genuine seventy year old natural specimens and are sold as found.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eVintage finish\u003c\/b\u003e Some shells were coated with a 1950s varnish to enhance colour and shine. With age, this may flake. It can be left as part of the set’s history or gently removed with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFragility\u003c\/b\u003e Certain species are naturally very thin and delicate. Minor chips are common and some shells may be cracked or broken. These sets have been sealed for decades and their condition reflects age and original storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHidden shells\u003c\/b\u003e Smaller specimens were often placed inside larger shells for transport. Be sure to check inside before assuming anything is missing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eImportant: Sealed Vintage Collector’s Item\u003c\/b\u003e These specimen sets remain sealed in their original 1950s wrapping. The unopened bag forms part of the item’s authenticity and collectible value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are sold as sealed collector’s items. As the bags have remained unopened for decades, the precise internal condition of individual shells cannot be guaranteed. Age related wear, fragility and minor breakages are possible and should be expected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a physical shop, this seal would not be broken for inspection. Please consider your purchase carefully before opening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you choose to open the sealed bag, this will materially change the condition of the item and significantly reduce its resale value. Where a returned item has been opened, a deduction may be made to reflect any loss in value, in accordance with UK consumer regulations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReturns must include the complete set in its original packaging.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Devon Fox","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53340983296327,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/0859\/8343\/files\/Formosa-Full.jpg?v=1771238829"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.devonfox.co.uk\/collections\/currated-collections.oembed","provider":"Devon Fox","version":"1.0","type":"link"}