Gorham Buttercup tsp has both Patent 1900 and date Mark 1886

[mrprman]

Hi i have a set of Gorham Buttercup teaspoons that have the late 19th Century Gorham hallmarks. They also have patent 1900 in a semicircle. However, they all have the 1886 date hallmark (Cross in a square) on the bowl of the teaspoon as well. How is that possible? Wasn't Buttercup released in 1889? Is it deliberate fraud? The date marks look authentic. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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[dragonflywink]

Believe Buttercup was introduced in 1899, extremely unusual to see a date mark on Gorham flatware, usually only found on holloware. Pictures would be a help.

Cheryl ;o)
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[mrprman]

Thanks for the quick reply!! I'm trying to get a camera with higher resolution to post a picture.
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