A Patriotic Engraved Turban Shell Depicting George Washington and the Capitol

Possibly by Charles H. Wood (fl. 1840–1870), gastropod shell with inked pen-knife engraving, the side with oval cartouche reading "The Whole Engraving / executed with a common / Penknife," featuring a large engraving of the Capitol building, above a shield form reserve inscribed "Principal / Front of the / Capitol / Washington" alongside a vining branch with acorn terminus, flanked by a bust length portrait of Washington, beneath a shield festooned with (11) and (13) star American flags enclosed within a laurel wreath.

5 x 7 x 7 in.

Some scattered old insect pitting to the shell surface, else good condition.