Moroccan crinoid block

[Aurelius]

I've wanted one of these Moroccan crinoid blocks for ages, so I couldn't turn this one down when I was able to get it for £10 ($13 US). All I had to go on were some poor quality images and I had no idea how big it was. (it's 10 inches across at the widest point).

 

However, because I've never handled one of these before, or seen one in the flesh, I don't really know what to look for in terms of fakery, compositing or restoring. It does have a really horrible surface, making it look like plastic - I'm hoping this is just some sort of thick, ugly substance that has been applied to consolidate the surface, since it doesn't appear to be a cast.

 

I'd be grateful for any opinions, or suggestions of what to look for. Sorry the photos aren't ideal - I tried it outdoors in natural light, and indoors with flash, but the horrible surface made it difficult to photograph well.

[Tidgy's Dad]

Yup, i think you're right. 

It's all real but has had 'gloop' glooped all over it to consolidate it and make it show up more. 

[Ludwigia]

Not bad at all for 10 pounds. If you wish, you could remove the coating with acetone and then decide if you want to treat it with something else or just leave it as is.

[Fitch1979]

to me, it's a composed piece out of at least 4 other pieces that originally where not fitting together - but still, they've spend more work on composing it then the 13$ that you paid for it, well done!

 

the backside or more pictures up close could point it out better, 

[Aurelius]

1 hour ago, Fitch1979 said:

to me, it's a composed piece out of at least 4 other pieces that originally where not fitting together - but still, they've spend more work on composing it then the 13$ that you paid for it, well done!

 

the backside or more pictures up close could point it out better, 

 

 

Thank you, I think you've hit the nail on the head, there. Here's the back:

 

 

Thinking about it, that should have been a massive clue to me! I must be operating on battery saving mode today.

 

I think I'll do an acetone soak and if is splits back into its constituent parts, that's fine with me. The main calyx is quite nice and could be prepped slightly more, and for $13 it's still a nice piece.

 

Whilst we're on the topic of this block, is this a nautiloid?

 

 

 

[Spongy Joe]

Yes indeedy - certainly looks like nautiloid to me.

[Tidgy's Dad]

53 minutes ago, Fitch1979 said:

to me, it's a composed piece out of at least 4 other pieces that originally where not fitting together - but still, they've spend more work on composing it then the 13$ that you paid for it, well done!

 

the backside or more pictures up close could point it out better, 

 

Good spot! 

Quite correct. 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Just now, Aurelius said:

 

Thank you, I think you've hit the nail on the head, there. Here's the back:

 

 

Thinking about it, that should have been a massive clue to me! I must be operating on battery saving mode today.

 

I think I'll do an acetone soak and if is splits back into its constituent parts, that's fine with me. The main calyx is quite nice and could be prepped slightly more, and for $13 it's still a nice piece.

 

Whilst we're on the topic of this block, is this a nautiloid?

 

 

 

Another good spot! 

Very nice.