A Blond Turtle Shell Carapace
Two Large and Two Small Antique Blond Turtle Shells (Podocnemis Expansa)
19th Century
Sizes:
a 44cm high, 36cm wide – 17¼ ins high, 14¼ ins wide
b 63.5cm high, 49cm wide – 25 ins high, 19¼ ins wide
c 52cm high, 40cm wide – 20½ ins high, 15¾ ins wide
d 60.5cm high, 48cm wide – 23¾ ins high, 19 ins wide
C.I.T.E.S documentation available for export
19th Century
Sizes:
a 44cm high, 36cm wide – 17¼ ins high, 14¼ ins wide
b 63.5cm high, 49cm wide – 25 ins high, 19¼ ins wide
c 52cm high, 40cm wide – 20½ ins high, 15¾ ins wide
d 60.5cm high, 48cm wide – 23¾ ins high, 19 ins wide
C.I.T.E.S documentation available for export
These turtle shells were most often made into fire screens by sailors who, on a long voyage to the West Indies and South America, they took the shells on board to use as a supply of fresh meat on the way home. Described as tasting like a cross between veal and lobster, turtle meat and turtle soup became fashionable dishes in 18th century London society, where for over 200 years the Lord Mayor's annual Banquet at Mansion House would begin with a turtle soup.
A Blond Turtle Shell Carapace
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