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Info & Order Form

1911 Marion Torpedo Roadster. Identified by Bill Cassiday of Oakland, CA and Ariejan Bos of the Netherlands via "The Old Motor"

1911 Marion Torpedo Roadster.
Identified by Bill Cassiday of Oakland, CA and Ariejan Bos of the Netherlands via “The Old Motor“


INFORMATION AND ORDER FORM

The two-page information and order form can be opened and downloaded; click here:  INFORMATION AND ORDER FORM.  You’ll need a pdf reader, I suggest getting Adobe Reader here. To print this Order Form, right click with your cursor anywhere on the opened PDF file and follow the print directions.  If you have any questions, please go to the FAQ page, or you can call us at 360-661-6060 or email us through the Contact Form at the bottom of this page. Complete instructions are included in this downloaded printout. Fill in your order form and mail to the address provided.

Additional information for individual states is included in four different pdf files below that you can open and browse. Please be aware that we are not responsible for errors and/or recent changes not reflected in the information provided. We suggest that you check with your local Department of Motor Vehicle registration office to confirm the ability to display or register your vehicle with our plate(s).
DMV INFO FOR STATES A THRU H
DMV INFO FOR STATES I THRU M
DMV INFO FOR STATES N THRU R
DMV INFO FOR STATES S THRU W

1905 Oldsmobile in New Jersey

1905 Oldsmobile in New Jersey


PRODUCT INFO: HOW THEY’RE MADE
Our leather license plates are accurately fabricated with period-style 4” or 3″ aluminum numbers with matching state or province identifying monograms. The two thick layers of oil-tanned black or white cowhide harness leather are fully rim-stitched for strength and long life. Typically each plate measures a full 5½”x18” (or with the smaller 3″ numbers and monograms, 4-3/8″x15″), but short number combinations such a one, two or three digit design will benefit with a custom, shorter width plate.

1912COLO3
This is a good time to discuss the use of aluminum numbers and monograms. We’re occasionally asked about using brass numbers instead of aluminum. While the time period that we’re involved with is called the “Brass Era”, in truth very few plates utilized brass numbers. Imagine adding one more item to your car (in that era) that needed constant cleaning and polishing, especially with metal in direct contact with leather. Instead, the suppliers listened to their customers and supplied what they wanted. They wanted the “new metal” that didn’t need constant maintenance: Aluminum!

This comparison gives you a good idea of the difference 4" vs. 3" numbers can make!

This comparison give you a good idea of the difference 4″ vs. 3″ numbers can make!

The recently added 3″ numbers and monograms are designed for earlier era vehicles (often one- and two-cylinder automobiles and motorcycles) where the larger plate size can appear a bit overwhelming. Each plate is discreetly and permanently marked on the backside with a coded current year of manufacturer so that it cannot be considered as an attempt to deceive license plate collectors. Nearly all states currently allow this type of license plate to be used for display and many states allow registering as a YOM or “Year of Manufacture” plate for your horseless carriage or motorcycle.

Some of our new monograms

To further enhance your plate(s), we use special of-the-era design ID monograms for all applicable states (some states, such as Connecticut or Wisconsin use a simple one letter, such as “C” or “W”, for their state identification); special designs are already completed for ARIZ, CAL, COLO, FLA, IA, IDA, ILL, MICH, MINN, MO, NEB, NEV, NY, OH, OKLA, ORE, TENN, TEX, UT, WN and NSW (New South Wales, AU). The state monograms are very strong and thick (.125”) tempered aluminum with a matching patina finish. We are creating new custom state monograms for the remaining state identifications as the need arises. Additional plate uses include displaying the year and make of your horseless carriage (e.g. “14 CAD” or “12 BUICK”).

We also offer smaller 2″ digits for stacking on either end of the plate. Examples include stacking “19” on the left side, then in the center we include the marque (BUICK), name (SMITH) or initials (JJH) and then “09” stacked on the right side. There are a number of our plates on Man Cave walls with the owner’s name/initials and birth year. We do not normally include the year for a YOM type plate because the states did not require a year on a pre-state plate. Short names or initials, along with a state monogram will make a distinctive, one of a kind display. Another use is to highlight the marque and year when displaying a car at a show, within a collection or in a museum display.

"3553 MICH" plate on a 1909 Maxwell Model A (i.d. by Merle Simonsma on the Maxwell Briscoe Owners Yahoogroup)

“3553 MICH” plate on a 1909 Maxwell Model A (i.d. by Merle Simonsma

If we can help in any way

Please contact me direct.
Thank you for your interest.
Steve Hammatt
Mount Vernon WA USA
steve@leatherplates.com

Tele & text: 360-661-6060

Stop by and say “HELLO”

Chickasha 33rd Pre-War Swap Meet
March 18-19, 2022
We’ll be located in the North Bldg,  Spaces NJ 8-9

Tulare Swap Meet
April 23-24, 2022
Newly relocated to the Int’l Agri-Center in Tulare CA, in conjunction with antique farm equipment show and vintage RV show!

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