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ID #SA1120418
FOR SALE
£110
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Cowrie Shell Carved with Lord’s Prayer - Circa 1900
For sale by Kingsdown Antiques
for sale €129     $140
£110
Kingsdown Antiques

Kingsdown Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2015
Browse dealers 254 items
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Id #SA1120418
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Cowrie Shell Carved with Lord’s Prayer - Circa 1900

1900 - 1920
Description

An Unusual Cowrie Shell with the Lord’s Prayer delicately carved into it - circa 1900.

Measurements:

Height: 2 1/4" (approx. 6cm)

Width: 4" (approx. 10cm)

Depth: 3" (approx. 7.5cm)

Total weight: 100g

In good condition.

Physical Dimensions
Height
6cm (2.36")
Width
10cm (3.94")
Depth
7.5cm (2.95")
Declaration

Kingsdown Antiques has dated this Carved Cowrie Shell Prayer to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1120418
Dealers Internal Reference
P51173
Dealers Notes

***IMPORTANT NOTE***

Dear customers,

Just a quick note to let you know that I’ll be on vacation from Wednesday, 7th October 2026 through to Wednesday, 14th October 2026, so the shop will be closed during this time.

If you have an order already in process, please rest assured I’ll be keeping a close eye on any messages relating to it - and I’ll address any issues as soon as I can. Items are still available to purchase, and all new orders received while I’m away will be processed promptly when the shop reopens on Thursday, 15th October 2026.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Warmest wishes,

Jozef

Kingsdown Antiques

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Please note that we are often out sourcing items during the day, so email is the quickest way to reach us. We aim to reply promptly. If you do call and we are unable to answer, please leave a voicemail and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

We are a father and son antiques business with over 40 years of experience. We love what we do and we hope you will love it too.

We offer Free Worldwide Delivery, expertly packaging each item to ensure its safe arrival. With extensive experience shipping across the globe, we offer a smooth and worry-free delivery process.

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Description
An Unusual Cowrie Shell with the Lord’s Prayer delicately carved into it - circa 1900.

Measurements:

Height: 2 1/4" (approx. 6cm)

Width: 4" (approx. 10cm)

Depth: 3" (approx. 7.5cm)

Total weight: 100g

In good condition.

Height
6cm (2.36")
Width
10cm (3.94")
Depth
7.5cm (2.95")
Date of Manufacture

Kingsdown Antiques has dated this Carved Cowrie Shell Prayer to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1120418
Dealers Internal Ref
P51173
Kingsdown Antiques
Kingsdown Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2015

Trustworthy reliable professional. Free UK & worldwide shipping

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Kingsdown Antiques Profile Page

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A polished cream and brown cowrie shell intricately etched with calligraphic cursive script detailing the Lords Prayer.
1 / 7
Archive I A polished cream and brown cowrie shell intricately etched with calligraphic cursive script detailing the Lords Prayer.

Cowrie Shell Carved with Lord’s Prayer - Circa 1900

Archive II A polished cream and brown cowrie shell intricately etched with calligraphic cursive script detailing the Lords Prayer. View II
Archive III A polished cream and brown cowrie shell intricately etched with calligraphic cursive script detailing the Lords Prayer. View III
Archive IV A polished cream and brown cowrie shell intricately etched with calligraphic cursive script detailing the Lords Prayer. View IV
Archive V A polished cream and brown cowrie shell intricately etched with calligraphic cursive script detailing the Lords Prayer. View V
Archive VI A polished cream and brown cowrie shell intricately etched with calligraphic cursive script detailing the Lords Prayer. View VI
Archive VII A polished cream and brown cowrie shell intricately etched with calligraphic cursive script detailing the Lords Prayer. View VII
Enlarged Archival View
Kingsdown Antiques

Kingsdown Antiques
Telephone 07402 643497
Location
Bristol
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/denby
Verified Since Jun 2015
Items For Sale 254
Items Sold 3,029
Kingsdown Antiques
Kingsdown Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/denby
Verified
Jun 2015
For Sale
254
Sold
3,029
A polished cream and brown cowrie shell intricately etched with calligraphic cursive script detailing the Lords Prayer.
Cowrie Shell Carved with Lord’s Prayer - circa 1900
Ref: SA1120418
A polished cream and brown cowrie shell intricately etched with calligraphic cursive script detailing the Lords Prayer.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Objects
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialNatural Shell
  • ColourCream and Brown
  • MotifsMicro-calligraphy, Script lettering, Etched surface, Polished shell
  • SizeH 6 cm (2 in) x W 10 cm (4 in) x D 7.5 cm (3 in)

This Victorian decorative object is a natural cowrie shell from circa 1900, finished with a polished surface. The smooth shell displays a cream and brown coloration, detailed with intricately carved micro-calligraphy and etched script lettering across its upper curves that spells out the Lord’s Prayer, concluding with an ornate script spelling amen. The piece measures 6 cm high, 10 cm wide, and 7.5 cm deep, presenting a tactile, organic form that rests flat on its curved underside. Such decorative objects work well placed upon a bookshelf or desk within a gentleman's library or study, adding an unusual historical accent to a collection of texts and curiosities. The natural variations in the brown and cream tones complement traditional interiors, while the miniature carved script invites close inspection as a conversation piece.

FAQs

Etched and carved cowrie shells were popular souvenirs and cabinet curiosities during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, often micro-engraved with religious texts or regional scenes using acid etching or fine manual scribing.

Craftsmen typically applied an acid-resistant varnish or wax coating to the shell, scribed the calligraphy into the coating to expose the calcium carbonate layer, and then immersed the piece in acid to etch the exposed text.

Authentic turn-of-the-century carved shells display subtle hand-drawn calligraphic variations in the script, natural organic wear along the aperture edges, and gentle patination within the recessed etched areas.

These compact natural history specimens are styled effectively inside glass cloches, displayed on brass object stands, or arranged alongside books and curios on a bookshelf or desk.

Dust the shell gently using a soft dry brush and avoid chemical detergents, prolonged immersion in liquid, or direct sunlight, which can dehydrate the natural shell matrix.
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