The mystery of Patent and Design numbers is finally revealed.

Metal detectorists, archaeologists, field walkers and collectors invariably come across items sporting Registered Design marks or numbers and Patent Numbers, which can date back to the Victorian period. Regardless of their lack of antiquity, these finds can be very interesting, reflecting the commercial protection of inventions, techniques, and designs in the Industrial Age.

This book provides a concise and accurate summary of the system of registration codes and dates, together with sources, so that you may discover:

•what the object is

•who registered the item

•when it was registered

•what features or function enabled it to be registered