preserve my late Terry's shell?!

[Madtortlady]

I sadly lost my dear Terry - Mediterrean Spur-Thighed - in March 2016 after having had him almost 56 years. ) I don't feel I would want to do this with any others, but in Terry's case (I am not all that 'squeamish', fortunately) have had him buried but with air access. I wish to keep & preserve his shell as a 'tangible' memory of him.......to keep His shell is about 'ready', so to speak.

(I've seen enough 'grisly' videos about how to help decompose a dead tort, but I don't need all this information as I could likely clean/disinfect his shell any time soon)

However, part of the plastron has come away but think this could be glued back 'into place'.

I am concerned about any possible further deterioration of his shell and to preserve him/it, is there a particular type of varnish someone could suggest I use - maybe a more 'matt' one, as wouldn't want him to look too shiny & unnatural?! Grateful for any help.

[Madtortlady]

FOLLOW UP: Over a year later (won't go into too much detail, but had him buried in shallow grave....'nature took its course' observed by me quite regularly), I now have his SHELL - matt varnish made it look quite natural. I actually managed to buy at low cost what is meant to be a box for pets' ashes - from ebay.

As dear Terry was small, it fitted him perfectly......I really do find having something 'tangible' of him (in addition to a lot of photos and videos) very 'comforting'. If left in ground too long, shells definitely do deteriorate - almost 'flake' away. R.I.P. dear Terry <3