Brain Coral For Sale

Of interest to a Natural History Museum or a dedicated collector, this miracle of nature is an almost perfect facsimile of the human brain, including a beautifully formed cortex at the rear.

Housed in what appears to be a late Victorian wooden based glass dome, it is approximately 8 ins (20cm) high and the same diameter.  Depth is about 8.5 ins (22cm). The only imperfection is a tiny natural hole, about 1/8 in (3mm) in diameter, to the rear left.

The 11 inch (28cm) diameter plinth is evidently purpose built, having a turned recess to accommodate the glass dome, which is 13 inches (33cm) high. It has three small feet, 1 1/4 in (3cm) in diameter. It could be oak, cut across the grain and, as a result of being kept in a dry atmosphere, has two ageing cracks about 2 ins (5cm) long, one on either side.

On the base, scratched in the original paint, is marked "N/-/-" over "L.MS.O" and the number 27440.  This could be a museum catalogue number, but its origins are unknown.

It has been in our possession over 25 years, having been bought in a curiosity/antiques shop in Belfast.  It is of no interest to our children whatsoever, so we have decided to offer it to a better and more appreciative home!

The asking price is £300, which is roughly what we paid for it plus inflation since 1974/5.  To this must be added the cost of postage (it weighs about 14 lbs (7kg)) and insurance - it will require two parcels, due to the weight of the coral and the delicacy of the glass dome, which is undamaged at the moment.

You can e-mail me on terry@dewinne.freeserve.co.uk if you are interested.