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Thursday, March 25, 2010

WARNING: Copies of sterling flatware patterns being offered for sale

Copies of popular sterling flatware patterns such as Chantilly and Old Maryland Engraved are being offered on eBay.

I ran across some listings on eBay today for sterling flatware pieces in various patterns. The pieces are advertised as "new". The titles of the listings imply that they are pieces manufactured by the original manufacturers.

When you read the detailed descriptions, you see that the listed pieces might actually be only similar to the original patterns mentioned in the title. In other words, they are copies.

I think the listings are VERY misleading. If you have any doubts, send a question to the seller making sure that you understand what is being offered.

Feel free to send me questions via email as well.

Caveat emptor!

Click on any picture to see a larger version. By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "Email Silver Jim" in the right column.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Gorham Chantilly Patent

If you are a Gorham Chantilly history fan, you might be interested in seeing the original patent for this pattern. The U. S. Patent and Trademark Office has a searchable data base of patents. Unfortunately, it's difficult to search for patents issued before 1976 because they are in image format only.

The two images below, found in that data base, represent the patent issued on July 30, 1895, to William C. Codman and Gorham for the Chantilly pattern. Click on an image to see a large version. Depending upon your image viewing software, you may be able to zoom in and out so you can see the documents better.

Click on any picture to see a larger version. By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "Email Silver Jim" in the right column.