3D model of a snail bookend (NHMW-ZOO-MO-0081100-ETH-0041)

3D model of a bookend depicting a snail from the collection of Karl Uetz. Karl Uetz (1914–1998), Prof. h.c., was a private collector and owner of a large mollusc collection. In addition to thousands of snail and mussel shells, the private collection also contains approximately 200 art and everyday objects as well as ethnographic objects. The collection was purchased by the NHM in 1974 and digitised in 2025. 

This is a ceramic bookend in the shape of a land snail - larger than life and stylised. The snail is depicted upright, similar to the mating ritual of Roman snails (Helix pomatia), which can last several hours.