@rennch. Hey bud! In the UK, your shell would be considered pretty sound!
You might consider heading over to
https://www.ddk-online.com where we regularly see shells (sea shells?) restored from little more than a VIN plate and rust sweepings.
Just one example (shows bracing and jigging):
http://www.ddk-online.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=71331