Rare 1950s Pacific Shell Set – The Formosan Collection

In 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.

The Formosa Shell Collection A 1950s Pacific Natural History Set, Rediscovered

While 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.

While 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.

From 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.

Opening the Set 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.

What You’ll Receive • 50 original shell specimens A varied mix of gastropods and bivalves, including the Formosan Mitre, Shuttlecock Volva, Cuming’s Nutmeg and many more. • Original Identification Sheet 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 It features the vintage Taiwanese/Formosan script and the outdated historical scientific names. • An exclusive A3 identification sheet 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. • The story behind the find The reverse of the poster features the original 1950s sales sheet and explains how we rediscovered and researched these sets. • Access to our online colour cheat sheet Using actual shells from the packets, we have created a clearer photographic guide to help with identification: Formosanshells 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.

Please Read Before Purchasing These are genuine seventy year old natural specimens and are sold as found.

Vintage finish 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.

Fragility 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.

Hidden shells Smaller specimens were often placed inside larger shells for transport. Be sure to check inside before assuming anything is missing.

Important: Sealed Vintage Collector’s Item These specimen sets remain sealed in their original 1950s wrapping. The unopened bag forms part of the item’s authenticity and collectible value.

They 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.

In a physical shop, this seal would not be broken for inspection. Please consider your purchase carefully before opening.

If 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.

Returns must include the complete set in its original packaging.