Peerless Hubcap, 1925-1931

01

Artifact Overview

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 Details

Artifact

Hubcap

Date Made

1925-1931

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

53.32.124

Credit

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

Material

Aluminum (Metal)
Bronze (Metal)
Enamel (Fused coating)

Color

Silver (Color)
Black (Color)

Dimensions

Diameter: 4 in
Height: 2.25 in

Inscriptions

around edge on obvers: THE PEERLESS MOTOR CAR CO. / CLEVELAND, USA below eagle on obverse: PEERLESS