Help with maker, pattern and year for lg sterling spoon

[ypcomchic]

Hi all. I am new to the site. I have been trying to find the maker, pattern and year created of this large sterling spoon I bought at store. I have looked for almost a month to no avail. Any help is greatly appreciated.
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(admin photo edit - images too large - link only - see Posting Requirements )

[dragonflywink]

Frank Smith's Baronial, introduced in 1920.

http://www.925-1000.com/americansilver_S2.html

~Cheryl

[dragonflywink]

My JCK Flatware Index (the book that happened to be out) shows this pattern as introduced in 1920, but I seem to recall it as a late 19th century pattern. I'll check a couple of other references.....

~Cheryl

[dragonflywink]

The pattern, designed by Arthur J. Stone, assigned to Frank W. Smith, was issued U.S. Patent #D21268 on Dec. 29. 1891.

~Cheryl

[ypcomchic]

Thank you soooooo much! You are awesome! Do you know how long it was in production for? I am curious too about the engraving "Fowler". I know there was a silversmith named Fowler but how would one ever find out who in the Fowler family owned it right? Do you mind if I ask what book you found this information in? Thank you again..very much! It is a very beautiful pattern to me.

[ypcomchic]

Hi, thanks again for the info but I am unable to locate the patent with the number you provided. Patent should be 7 digits total and the one you provided, D21268 is missing one. Can you please advise what the missing digit is please? Thank you! Since I am new I am unable to send you a PM.

[dragonflywink]

Hi ~ The patent shows up under that number for me in both the Patent database and google patents. On the official database you just need to click on the "Images" button to view, if it isn't working for you, just add a zero or two between the the "D" and the number.

No idea how long the pattern was in production, and regarding the "Fowler", doubt that it has anything to do with any silversmith (this is a factory produced item), just a fairly common family name engraved at some point. I have quite a few patent numbers stashed in my files, but in this case I just did a search for it since it said "Patented".

~Cheryl

[dragonflywink]

Here's a direct link: D21268

~Cheryl

[ypcomchic]

Hi again, Cheryl. Again thank you so much! It is awe-inspiring to see such an old document on the internet! It is such a beautiful design. I wonder who holds the patent now? Have a wonderful weekend! Sincerely,
Deanna

[dragonflywink]

Hi Deanna ~ Patents expire after a certain term, in this case 3½ years, it's in the public domain now. When this design patent was issued, 3½, 7, and 14 years terms were available, with fees rising accordingly. As a rule, reference to a patent would be on the earlier dies for a pattern, but would be hard to say how long the dies were in use before requiring replacement.

~Cheryl