Conchylia exchange
A conchylia exchange is a sales event at which conchylia (Latin concha , "shell") are sold by specialist dealers and collectors. These exchanges take place worldwide and are usually organized by collectors' associations. They are an important meeting point for collectors of mollusc shells and are visited by international audiences.
Origins
The collection of natural objects, in this case of mussel shells, has fascinated mankind for millennia. Mussels and snails from distant lands have been considered treasures since the 17th century that only aristocrats and wealthy people could afford. With the increasing colonization of the world, more and more exotic housings came to Europe and soon became a coveted collector's item . Noblemen and merchants organized festivals and auctions at which natural products were auctioned or sold. Later, interest in nature collectibles increased and people took advantage of this interest by buying and selling clam and snail shells. Conchylia exchanges have existed in their current form since the 20th century.
Structure and organization
Trade fairs for mussels and snails can be found all over the world, but compared to mineral or fossil fairs there are relatively few. As a rule, a conchyllium exchange takes place in a hall or a sufficiently large event hall and lasts for two days (usually Saturday and Sunday). They are usually organized by regional or national collectors' associations, which hold their general meeting on the stock exchange. To cover the cost of the venue, e.g. B. to cover hall rent, electricity costs, etc., the dealers and collectors have to pay a stand fee to be able to rent a sales table. Usually only mollusc cases and other natural products from the sea (e.g. crustaceans, sponges and corals) may be offered. Nevertheless, jewelry can also be found.
Usually collectors come from all over the world to purchase pieces for their collection, to exchange ideas or to meet like-minded people. Prices of up to € 20,000 for certain types of mollusks are not uncommon. Mostly, sellers arrive early to set up their stands on Fridays. Saturdays and Sundays are usually sold. Most merchants' businesses will have to pay for travel, transportation and accommodation. Only a few mussel traders live from this business, but rather run it on the side, often as an extension of their own collecting activities. Housings are often swapped and many trade fairs have specially designed swap tables. Lectures and seminars for further education complete the program.
Important trade fairs
There are four important specialist exchanges for mussel and snail shells across Europe, which are named below:
- "International Shelpenbeurs" in Antwerp (Belgium)
- "Bourse des Coquillages" Paris (France)
- "Bourse des Coquillages" Ottmarsheim (France)
- "International Snail Exchange Öhringen" Öhringen (Baden-Württemberg, Germany)
- "Czech International Mussel Exchange" Prague (Czech Republic)
Of the above-mentioned exchanges, the Antwerp Snail Exchange is the largest in the world with around 60 to 70 traders. The only German trade fair for mussels and snails has been taking place in Öhringen since 2003 and is organized by Club Conchylia eV, the German association of mollusc collectors. In France, in addition to the large exchanges mentioned above, there are also several small ones in Brittany and southern France.
Internationally worth mentioning is the COA Convention in the USA, where COA stands for Conchologists of America . It is also an important stock exchange event that is held in different locations every year.
Individual evidence
- ^ Club Conchylia dates
- ^ Conchologists of America ( Memento October 29, 2012 in the Internet Archive )