United States Patent Number Charts
Whether you’ve picked up a piece of vintage hardware, an old tool, or a unique household gadget or appliance, identifying the age is key.
These patent charts are designed to help you cross-reference patent numbers quickly and within reasonable accuracy, especially for the really old stuff.
The US patent system is a goldmine for dating vintage goods. From the early industrial boom to the modern era, these charts cover almost two centuries of innovation.
When you find a patent number on an item, just match to the year on the chart. Below you will find charts for Canadian patent numbers and UK patent numbers.
Canadian Patent Number Chart
For those hunting for northern treasures, the Canadian patent system has its own unique numbering and timeline
Just find your patent number on the item and match it to this chart, easy peasy.
UK Patent Numbers Chart
You will notice that between 1852 and 1915, the UK reset their numbering every single year on january 1st back to #1.
This is why it’s so important for collectors to have both the year and the number for the era on a UK made item—if you just have the number, it could be any of these 63 different years!
Usually those old UK pieces have the year stamped right on them (like “Pat 1894”) next to the number. if the year isn’t there, you’re basically stuck guessing by the style or maker first. The first page of this chart is mostly there to confirm if a number actually fits the year that’s stamped and that it is not a counterfeit item.
Having the right information makes the hobby of collecting even more rewarding.
We hope this set of patent charts becomes a permanent bookmark in your research toolkit. Keep hunting, keep researching, and most importantly, keep having fun with those unique finds!
Check out our online auctions over on www.funkyjunkauctions.com