A Monumental Italian Silver-Mounted Shell Centerpiece. mark of Gianmaria Buccellati, 20th Century. photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2012 

On a shaped triangular base, decorated with scrolls and acanthus, the shell supported by three silver figures, the edge of the shell with a silver mount, marked on base: 24 in. (61 cm.) long. Lot 43. Estimate $50,000 - $80,000

Christie's. The Van Cliburn Collection. 17 May 2012. New York, Rockefeller Plaza