What Does Term "Geschutzt" Mean on Antiques?

On antiques of German origin, you may sometimes run into the word Geschützt printed or stamped onto the piece. Pronounced "guess-shutst," the term is an abbreviation of gesetzlich geschutt, a German phrase that translates as "legally protected" or "copyrighted."

The term is similar in meaning to the English terms patented or patent-pending, or to the French term depose. In conversation, the usage might sound like "The eBay seller stated the Geschutzt mark on a cast iron frame was that of a German metalsmith, but Brenda knew they were mistaken."

The earliest that the term Geschützt was used was 1899. Therefore, any number of authentic antiques of German origin may not have this mark its absence can suggest an even older age for the piece.

Other Marks Indicating German Origin

In addition to Geschützt or Ges. Gesch as an abbreviation of Gesetzlich Geschutzt, some several other markings or stamps can verify a piece as being of German origin:

• D.R.P. or D.R.: DPR is the German abbreviation for Deutsches Reich Patent. Older German items are often marked "D.R.P." or "DR"
• Ges. Mbh: This is an abbreviation of the German term for "company" or "corporation." Seeing this mark indicates a piece of German origin.
• Gebruder: The term is the German term for "brothers," as in Gebruders Resch ("Resch Brothers").
• Fabrikmarke: This is the German term for "factory mark."
• Germany: Manufactured items were generally not labeled "Germany" before 1895. PIeces bearing this label generally date from 1895 or later.
• West Germany: Manufactured items were labeled with way from 1948 to 1991. Such items typically are not antiques.