Decorated nautilus shell

decorated shell

Carved nautilus shell, possibly companion to 1995.117.36; collected by Captain Timothy M. Benson during 1882 voyage of the bark MARTHA DAVIS to Honolulu, Hong Kong, and Manila; shell has acid etched decorative relief; floral design across center of shell; holes drilled in decorative pattern; obverse is etched and filled in gold paint "MANILA 1882"; reverse is etched and filled in gold paint "A.B."; glue outline in oval shape at bottom of shell; some losses along opening of chamber. [For details of voyage see Mystic Seaport G. W. Blunt White Library Manuscript Collection.]