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With thanks to Paul Rice for this additional information.

1. Chittenden refers to the Genus “unio” (Should be Family/not genus and is actually "unionidae") and
Genus (anodonta) and the inventor refers to use of the nacre of these shells “of the various species
of animals found in the fresh-water streams, lakes, and ponds of North and South America, which are
popularly known as “fresh-water clams or mussels”
2. This Family/Genus refers to two species of mussel named Duck and Swan (http://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Unionidae). These species are found worldwide according to links from same reference. I
found references to the Duck mussel (anodonta - anatine) that indicated their habitats include England
(gravel pits at Catwick E. Yorks), Italy , Finland , Netherlands , Poland , and China .
3. The use of freshwater mussels as ornamentation dates back centuries into the Chinese dynasties.
While one cannot prove the genus is the same as discussed by Chittenden, it seems likely since they
were found worldwide and freshwater mussel shells were preferred due to their size and flat nature.
More importantly, the US Geological Service website reports that "freshwater mussel shells were used
by early Native Americans in the Mississippi River basin for decorative purposes on clothing. Armlets,
pendants, and gaming pieces were made from mussel shell. These most certainly were made from the
anodonta genus discussed in the patent. Also, an interesting article about Turkish inlay artwork points
out that shell inlay work from the Ottoman empire preferred freshwater mollusks (imported from Asia)
due to large flat surface for design.
4. From the above, I conclude that neither the inventor nor the Patent Office understood that the
proposed use of the anodonta genus shell for ornamental purposes was not novel, unique, or
"unobvious" - new. Therefore the patent probably should have been denied.
5. I sense from my patent data base work that Chittenden’s 17 year patent suppressed the
development of the MOP industry in the Midwest/Great Lakes area until the 1880s when the industry
seemed to explode. I will look further when I get the data base more complete to see if this is really
indicated.

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