Massachusetts License Plate

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Object Details

Description

This Massachusetts license plate was registered to William Gray and used on his Winton Auto in 1910. Massachusetts was the first state to issue license plates to motorists, beginning in 1903. The commonwealth began putting the date on the plate in 1908. In 1907, Massachusetts became the first state to require drivers to take a driving test. In 1928 an embossed codfish was added to the plate in what was an early example of the now common phenomenon of decorative plates.

The plate is marked MASS.730/1910 on front, and “The Baltimore Enamel and Novelty Company” on the back.

Credit Line

Gift of WIlliam C. Gray

date made

1910

ID Number

1981.0631.01

accession number

1981.0631

catalog number

1981.0631.01

Object Name

License Plate

Other Terms

License Plate; Road

Physical Description

enameled iron (overall material)

Measurements

overall: 5 1/2 in x 10 in x 1/4 in; 13.97 cm x 25.4 cm x .635 cm

referenced

United States: Massachusetts

See more items in

Work and Industry: Transportation, Road

America on the Move

Transportation

Exhibition

America On The Move

Exhibition Location

National Museum of American History

Data Source