Since I could not post to an inquiry from the Bahamas
about turle shells etc. Email me privately and will try to help
or anyone else. Bob
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I have recently been given a fairly large turtle shell which has been on the bottom of the sea for some time. Some of the plates are loose and one or two have been lost. There has been some degradation caused by boring animals through the shell.
There is no value in the shell other than it is beautiful.
How can I keep what is left. Oil it using linseed? How to dry it and keep what is there.
Any help offered welcome. Any ideas explored.
I've been collecting turtle shells for years -- usually "found" ones such as you mentioned.
I usually brush out the interior with an old toothbrush -- using alcohol or mouthwash as a disinfectant/deodorizer. (If there's more meat, forceps & dental picks) I use superglue or rubber cement to reattach any of the outer covering plates that are loose, then use johnson's paste wax to shine and moisturize the shell.
They look nice and natural in my bookcases or shelves.