Pair of California License Plates, 1917
01
Artifact Overview
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 Details
Artifact
License plate
Date Made
1917
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Made for the California Department of Motor Vehicles in Los Angeles. California
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
2011.0.24.83
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford
Material
Porcelain (Material)
Cast iron
Color
White (Color)
Blue
Yellow (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 4.5 in
Width: 13.25 in
Inscriptions
On front: CAL / 103082
Tag: 1917 / 103082
Stamped on back: [illegible]... UFAC.... / California Metal ...[illegible].... / LOS ANGELES CAL.
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