Buick Hubcap, 1918-1929

Summary

Early automobile wheels had a central hub with a greased wheel bearing. Hub caps kept grease in and dust out. As wheels evolved and hubcaps became functionally unnecessary, they remained important to both manufacturers -- who branded wheel covers with maker names or logos -- and consumers -- who identified with hubcaps as statements about their cars and themselves.

Early automobile wheels had a central hub with a greased wheel bearing. Hub caps kept grease in and dust out. As wheels evolved and hubcaps became functionally unnecessary, they remained important to both manufacturers -- who branded wheel covers with maker names or logos -- and consumers -- who identified with hubcaps as statements about their cars and themselves.

Artifact

Hubcap

Date Made

1918-1929

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

53.32.246

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Aluminum Goods Manufacturing Company.

Material

Aluminum (Metal)

Color

Silver (Color)

Dimensions

Diameter: 5 in

Height: 1.875 in

Inscriptions

obverse: BUICK Marked on inside A G M CO./ 151 289 12 GA 15 VIT

Related Content

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More