Tropical Scorpion Shell

[Surpmil]

At one time there was an old tin deed box full of shells and various odd bits of minerals etc. around here which was a leftover from my great grandparent's generation. I had the impression it was a sort of "amuse the children" box from that time. There was also a small conch and a shell that looked a lot like that one in fact. Yours has taken a fall onto a hard surface or some curious kiddo has smashed it open. IIRC one or two of the shells in that box still had the dried out remains of their former occupants inside, which would tend to invite curious children with hammer or stone in hand.

I just had a look where such stuff used to be and the last survivor is a half abalone about 8" x 5", pretty sure the Mrs. got rid of the rest.