A Finely Engraved Turban Shell Featuring a Vignette of the S. S. Great

This fine work of art has been created from a natural turban shell which has been engraved with a penknife and then inked for contrast. It is highly likely to be the work of the renowned shell and scrimshaw engraver Charles H. Wood. The subject on this shell is a ship portrait of the S. S. Great Eastern, one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s vessels. Although little is known of Wood’s career, our extensive research has revealed that he travelled around the world on the Great Eastern and it was his custom to present one of his engraved shells to the mayors of all the towns and cities at which the vessel docked. The present shell could potentially be one of these trophy presentation pieces or was made either for sale in port or to one of the passengers on the vessel. Shells engraved or cut in cameo by Charles H. Wood are in museums and major private collections worldwide and one was presented to Queen Victoria by the artist himself.

Estimate:£3,600

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