First period (1863-1890) unpainted Nautilus Creamer on left above (Degenhardt number D279), and first to third period black mark example (mark is "smudged") with pink tinted handle and shell interior, both 3-7/8ths inches tall. A pearlized finish first black mark example (below) sold on eBay in April of 2002 for USD $481 and was described as follows:

"Up for auction is what I believe to be an extremely rare shell jug. This shell jug has the 1st black mark which dates from 1863-1890. The underside of the shell appears to be slightly iridescent, creating a realistic look...porcelain seems paper thin. Condition is excellent, although there are a few factory flaws worth noting. There is a split on the underside of shell, and where the two shells join there is some splitting. I believe this to be the result of the cooling process when made and not damage. Otherwise this piece is in flawless condition. Shell jug stands 4 inches tall.