California Commercial License Plate, 1922

Summary

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

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