The shell of this species is very similar to that of Philippi’s Alvania aspera, but differs in some tiny details: the aperture is less expanded, giving the shape a somewhat distorted appearance (”broken spire” according to Oberling’s species name) and the base is rounder; the radial costae are weaker and seem slightly less numerous than in aspera. The pattern, when it exists, is basically the same in both species, which may share a rather recent common ancestor.

The protoconch, paucispiral, bears some rows of buttons, as in many species; these rows oscillate a little more than in the sympatric Alvania campanii, and are less marked than in the latter. The transition with the teleoconch is progressive, two microspirals giving birth to a corresponding pair of cords.