Shells which are used instead of glass in the windows of the houses of the inhabitants of Malabar

Object Status:

Unlocated

Primary Source Reference:

Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia), 28 Aug 1792

Notes:

The windowpane oyster (Placuna placenta) is a bivalve marine mollusk in the family of Placunidae. They are edible, but valued more for their shells (and the rather small pearls). The shells have been used for thousands of years as a glass substitute because of their durability and translucence. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windowpane_oyster

The donor is identified as "of Baltimore."

Specimen Type:

Shells

Current Common Name:

Windowpane oyster

Current Scientific Name

Placuna placenta