Oakland Hubcap, 1915-1930

01

Artifact Overview

Early automobile wheels had a central hub with a greased wheel bearing. Hub caps kept grease in and dust out. Beginning in 1915, the Aluminum Goods Manufacturing Company of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, supplied hubcaps -- including this one -- to many automotive manufacturers. Hubcaps became functionally unnecessary as wheels evolved, but they remained important components of style and marketing.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Hubcap

Date Made

1915-1930

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

53.32.287

Credit

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

Material

Aluminum (Metal)

Color

Silver (Color)

Dimensions

Diameter: 2.75 in
Height: 2 in

Inscriptions

Written in pencil, on the inside: 527257 OAKLAND
Oakland Hubcap, 1915-1930