Chapter 720. To prevent the use of devices calculated to convey the impression that the United States Government certifies to the quality of gold or silver used in the arts
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CHAP. 720.— An Act To prevent the use of devices calculated to convey the impression that the United States Government certifies to the quality of gold or silver used in the arts. February 21, 1905. [[H. R. 15578](/us/bill/58/hr/15578).] [[Public, No. 86](/us/pl/58/86).] *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*, United States assay, etc. Stamping words of on gold, etc., unlawful. That it shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, association, or corporation engaged in commerce among the several States, Territories, District of Columbia, and possessions of the United States, or with any foreign country, to stamp any gold, silver, or goods manufactured therefrom, and which are intended and used in such commerce, with the words “United States assay,” or with any words, phrases, or devices calculated to convey the impression that the United States Government has certified to the fineness or quality of such gold or silver, or of the gold or silver contained in any of the goods manufactured therefrom.
Each and every such stamp shall constitute a separate offense. Sec. 2. Penalty for violation. That every person, partnership, association, or corporation violating the provisions of this Act, and every officer, director, or managing agent of such partnership, association, or corporation having knowledge of such violation and directly participating in such violation or consenting thereto, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, be punished with a fine of not more than five thousand dollars or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, at the discretion of the court.
Sec. 3. Seizure, forfeiture, etc. That any gold, silver, or goods manufactured therefrom after the date of the passage of this Act, bearing any of the stamps, words, phrases, or devices prohibited to be used under section one hereof, and being in the course of transportation from one State to another, or to or from a Territory, the District of Columbia, or possessions of the United States, shall be forfeited to the United States, and may be seized and condemned by like proceedings as those provided by law for the forfeiture, seizure, and condemnation of property imported into the United States contrary to law.
Approved, February 21, 1905.