Description:

Western Europe, France, Eocene, ca. 56 to 33.9 million years ago. A remarkable conglomeration of shells and marine calcite debris, essentially a mound of crushed shells deposited on the seafloor and fossilized together into a single mass. The centerpiece is a large Campanile giganteum shell, its spirals prominently displayed, measuring an impressive 17 inches (about 43 cm) in length - a testament to the extraordinary size of this prehistoric sea snail. A smaller Campanile specimen rests just behind, while shells from Naticidae (moon snails), conchs, clams, and various other mollusks are scattered throughout the matrix. The result is a vivid snapshot of an ancient Eocene marine ecosystem preserved in stone. Size of conglomeration: 18.5" L x 6" W x 10" H (47 cm x 15.2 cm x 25.4 cm); Campanile shell: 17" L x 5.5" W x 10" H (43.2 cm x 14 cm x 25.4 cm)

PROVENANCE: private Berthoud, Colorado, USA collection; ex-private European collection

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Item # 197900

  • Condition: Well-preserved and stable, with the large Campanile giganteum shell prominently exposed and showing clear spiral detail. Some natural surface weathering and minor erosion are present, particularly along the edges of the shell whorls, consistent with age and geological formation. Comes on a removable wood base.

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Shipping

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November 6, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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