Large Late C19th / Early C20th Polished ‘Blonde’ Arrau or Amazonian River Turtle Shell Carapace ( Podocnemis Expansa ).

Large late C19th / early C20th polished ‘blonde’ Arrau or Amazonian River turtle shell carapace ( Podocnemis Expansa or Testudine )

Of good large scale and proportions with a highly-polished ‘blonde’ lustre and patina to the smooth surface. In excellent original condition with no damage or repairs.

Found mainly in South America and the Amazon basin , this species of turtles have been located as far away as Trinidad.

*Turtle shells such as these were historically worked by Western sailors, who having caught the turtles as a source of fresh meat whilst at sea , then stripped the outer layers of the surplus shell and polished the bone carapace to a high lustre in order to sell them as prized and exotic natural wonders of the world , on their return to port.

H 25”

W 20”

D 10”

South America c.1890

Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .

Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .

Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .

All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees & Sons .

If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance . Our inventory on the website Selling Antiques .co.uk showcases our range of stock, whilst more items are available to view on our website. Please visit us on:

www.leesantiquesworcester.com.

Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218

Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.