Rick,

In regards to your plea for someone to take on the task of "finding and
assembling on the net" the dates of modern artifacts, I would refer you to
Catherine Spude's website, 20th Century Artifact Dating Guides at the
following link, http://groups.msn.com/20thCenturyArtifacts
<http://groups.msn.com/20thCenturyArtifacts> .  This website went online
around December 2002 (Cathy, correct me if I am wrong) and provides users an
opportunity to both obtain and submit information about dating 20th century
artifacts such as cans, bottles, plastics and synthetics (i.e., celluloid,
bakelite, cellophane, etc.) and a host of other artifact categories as well.
IMHO, this site would be the ideal place for people to submit information on
the types of artifacts you list below in your post.  Hope this is helpful!

Bruce R. Penner, RPA
Cultural Resources Coordinator
VDOT-Hampton Roads District


Date:   Sun, 10 Aug 2003 18:11:11 -0700
From:   Roderick Sprague <[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> >
Subject:        Re: Copyright symbol date

Anita
Thanks for doing my research for me. I truly appreciate the quick
response from you and Tim and I have to agree with Mike on your knowledge
of the internet. Thanks again.

Once again I plea for someone younger than I, to take on the task of
finding and assembling on the net, the dates of various modern dating
devices such as this example and the introduction of city codes, zips
codes, phone prefixes, area codes, flip-top cans, Lucky Strike green
going to war (an easy one for some of us), Phillips screws (vs. Reed and
Prince), ball point pens, etc. The dates on sound recording media
alone would be a thesis in itself (how many remember wire
recorders?). There have been several articles and a book on paper
clips but where are they and do they give dates on the numerous
variations? We all know how to find these dates but why
should each one of who finds an Ace comb have to find the current name of
the American Ribber Products Company and then write them for the date of
the earliest production only to have them write back we wish we
knew but please tell us what you find?
Rick