posted 05-28-2011 10:29 AM            

• The Shiebler - Redlich Connection
  
• Redlich ad in JC&HR 8/5/1891

posted 06-14-2011 01:48 AM            

The Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers by Dorothy T Rainwater & Martin and Colette Fuller Revised 5th Edition states the following concerning William Linker Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Registered trademark in the U S Patent Office No 55,945, August 21, 1906 for gold and silver flatware, holloware and tableware. I believe that ultimately this number and date relates to a filing for a patent only.

There are no records of any patents registered on August 21, 1906, and I find no trademarks registered to or associated with William linker.

This could just turn out to be a typo, so I would be very interested in seeing anything that gives a better explanation of William Linker's trademark.

posted 06-18-2011 07:49 PM            

It appears that he never married, so he didn't have children which is something that definitely silences the memory of many.

If there's more to this story, it is beyond me, so hopefully, a knowledgeable person will come forward and clear this matter up for you.

posted 06-20-2011 05:42 AM            

Not at home right now to check my 4th edition Rainwater, but seem to recall there is a Linker mark illustrated which is very similar to the Ludwig, Redlich fleur-de-lis (believe another reference shows one similar as a Kerr mark). Feel sure that, relying on Rainwater, I've mistakenly identified some Ludwig, Redlich pieces as Linker, and surely others have done the same - seems clear that with advertising of the period showing both the trademark and the distinctive pieces, attribution to anyone other than Ludwig, Redlich wouldn't really make sense. Have seen a couple of fairly pedestrian holloware pieces with a small, less detailed fleur-de-lis mark, suspect they're probably the later Linker pieces.

My references are riddled with little corrections, additions and clarifications, including quite a few in Rainwater, but she was a pretty good researcher and I believe that her information on the Linker trademark is most likely correct. Had no luck in locating the Linker registration, but have noticed from previous searches in the Trademark Office's TESS database, that a large number of the early trademarks that weren't renewed before the mid 20th century seem to be missing. A search for trademarks registered on August 21, 1906 turned up thirty-two, with numbers ranging from 55598 to 56105, the Linker registration number cited would fit into that range. In those found, thirty had registration renewals no earlier than 1966; number 55886 had no renewal, but a cancellation date of 1977; number 56035 also had no renewal, but shows an undated change in registration and the owners listed as unknown (perhaps someone's research triggered its inclusion into the database).

~Cheryl

posted 06-20-2011 09:35 AM            

If the USPTO purged their dead trademark registrations, they were certainly haphazard about it.

I believe that the date and number cited by "Rainwater" relates to a filing for a patent. That number is right in line with a patent filing serial number that has the same date and did end up the with a registered patent.

posted 06-20-2011 01:14 PM            

It does seem clear that the mark found on the pieces up for discussion here belonged to Ludwig, Redlich.

~Cheryl

posted 06-20-2011 01:47 PM            

Thank you for the trademark Cheryl. We did get somebody that knows what they are talking about Irlss. I had no idea how incomplete the TESS is. I do like "Rainwater," but I have trouble putting too much faith in most publications.

posted 11-26-2012 08:48 AM            

quote:

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Friends Pay Last Tribute
to the Late Adolph Ludwig

A large number of jewelers attended the funeral of the late Adolph Ludwig, senior member of the firm of A. Ludwig & Son, 75 Nassau St., New York, which took place last Thursday from his late home, 51 E. 122d St., Manhattan. The funeral was in charge of Socrates Lodge No. 595, F. and A. M. of New York.

Mention was made in last week’s issue of the death of Mr. Ludwig, who was well known in the jewelry trade. He was born in Middlewalt, Germany, 61 years ago, and when a young man came to this country, after learning his trade. He secured employment and in time built up a business of his own. He had been in business for himself and in partnership with his son, Charles Ludwig, in New York, for 30 years.

Besides being a Mason Mr. Ludwig belonged to the Odd Fellows, the Knights of the Ladies of Honor and to a number of sporting and shooting clubs. Many beautiful floral offerings were sent to his bier by the different organizations to which he belonged. His surviving relatives include a widow, three daughters and five sons. The interment took place at Woodlawn Cemetery. Rev. J. H. Stone was the officiating clergyman.

The business will be continued under the old style by Mr. Ludwig’s sons.

---

posted 11-27-2012 11:31 AM            

Adolph or Adolf

posted 11-27-2012 10:36 PM            

1880 census Brooklyn
Adolph Ludwig, manufacturer of Masonic medals, born Germany 1843
Wilhenna, wife, born Canada 1844

1900 census Brooklyn:
Adolph Ludwig, silversmith, born Prussia March 1843
Wilhelmina, wife, born Canada May 1843

posted 12-25-2012 01:55 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by lrlss:
And perhaps a third -- this Adolph Ludwig of Manhattan?
(neither Brooklyn nor Hoboken)
Back to the drawing board...

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I didn't pay any attention to what time I wrote this reply last night; Merry Christmas to all!