Most of these are marine shells from the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They differ from British seashells in being larger, generally more colourful and interestingly shaped. These shells are very popular amongst collectors. They can often be purchased in souvenir shops at coastal locations in the UK.

Of particular note is the collection of Dr Elliott, a dentist from Tamworth-in-Arden. His collection of 3900 shells and 28 notebooks was donated to the museum in 1975. the most interesting component of the collection is known as the 'African collection'. This contains 140 species of shell contained in 96 boxes constructed partly from playing cards and partly from order cards supplied on the Royal Mail Steam Ship 'African'.