I have a gorham flatware service in the Versailles pattern from about
1800. The pattern was discontinued for many years but has recently
been re-released in the more popular pieces. Can I use the prices for
the new pieces as my comparables for an insurance appraisal? Please
explain why?

Greetings -

 For insurance purposes, you will need to decide how you would replace
the silver in case of a loss -- with antique silver or newly
manufactured.

There is a significant difference between the prices for old and new
Gorham Versailles sterling flatware, with the antique silver worth
more than the new.

Antique:
http://www.antiquecupboard.com/ShowPattern.asp?patternid=671&pattern=Versailles&Mfg=Gorham

  Versailles By Gorham - Sterling
4 Piece Setting: $179      4 Piece Dinner Setting: $249  

Kovel Price Guide
http://www.kovels.com/
(requires free registration)
silver-flatware-sterling346 (Versailles) Service For 12, 
 Monogram, Gorham, 125 Piece $3740.00 (1995)

silver-flatware-sterling2000a272
(Versailles) Tablespoon, Gorham,  7 1/2 In.
$100.00 (2000)

New
http://www.westernsilver.com/gorham/versailles.html
4-pc Dinner Setting
$204

46-pc Service, dinner size
$2395

new tablespoon 
$85

Therefore, it would probably be best for insurance purposes to have
your silver appraised by a reputable appraiser.

You'll find a discussion of appraisals and links to resources at
http://www.collectorsguide.com/fa/fa089.shtml


Nellie Bly

Actually, if you want to replace your pieces, you should get a quote
from http://www.replacements.com/.  they have the largest replacement
selection in the world, and it is probably where you would go if your
policy is for exact replacement!!!