California Commercial License Plate, 1922
Add to SetSummary
Early state-issued license plates were made of porcelain-coated iron. Later, states stamped tin, steel, or even copper to make plates. During the Second World War several states used fiberboard. Plate colors varied and some states added symbols, mottoes, or other design elements. Today, states use reflective sheeting to coat a standard-sized aluminum blank which is then stamped and decorated.
Early state-issued license plates were made of porcelain-coated iron. Later, states stamped tin, steel, or even copper to make plates. During the Second World War several states used fiberboard. Plate colors varied and some states added symbols, mottoes, or other design elements. Today, states use reflective sheeting to coat a standard-sized aluminum blank which is then stamped and decorated.
Artifact
License plate
Date Made
1922
Creators
California. Dept. of Motor Vehicles
Creator Notes
Made for the California Department of Motor Vehicles
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
2011.0.24.73
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford
Material
Steel (Alloy)
Color
Buff (Color)
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 5 in
Width: 13.75 in
Inscriptions
Stamped on front: CAL[vertically] / 22 / 60164 / com