When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Offered here is a fantastic lot of 3 vintage miniature automobile license plate key tags issued in connection with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) key return program.
These miniature license plates were designed to resemble an automobile owner's actual license plate and could be attached to a set of keys. The reverse instructed a finder to deposit lost keys into any mailbox, with postage guaranteed through the Disabled American Veterans program.
This lot contains three different states, including two clearly dated 1959 examples.
INCLUDED IN THIS LOT
1. CALIFORNIA – NRX 065
- Yellow/orange California miniature license plate
- Plate number NRX 065
- Black lettering
- Green 1960 California registration sticker
- Small 56 marking at upper right
- Metal frame
- Integral key-chain/key-ring attachment hole
- Excellent California automobilia and license plate collectible
2. MICHIGAN – AH 4681
- Green and yellow miniature Michigan license plate
- Plate number AH 4681
- Marked Michigan 59
- WATER WONDERLAND slogan
- Represents the classic 1959 Michigan license plate design
- Metal frame with key attachment hole
- Great piece of vintage Michigan automotive memorabilia
3. ILLINOIS – 1488 628
- Red/brown and silver miniature Illinois license plate
- Plate number 1488 628
- Marked 19 ILLINOIS 59
- LAND OF LINCOLN slogan
- Represents a 1959 Illinois license plate
- Metal frame with key attachment hole
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS / DAV KEY RETURN BACKS
All three pieces retain their vintage Disabled American Veterans key-return identification backs.
They read in whole or in part:
POSTAGE GUARANTEED
Finder Deposit Any Mailbox
Disabled American Veterans
National Headquarters
Cincinnati 13, Ohio
These tags are an interesting survivor from an era before electronic key fobs, smartphones and modern lost-item tracking devices.
The miniature plate identified the owner's vehicle while the DAV return system provided a method for lost keys to make their way back to the owner.
Today these pieces cross several collecting categories, including vintage automobilia, miniature license plates, DAV memorabilia, key tags, key chains, transportation collectibles and mid-century Americana.
CONDITION
All three are original vintage used pieces showing varying amounts of age and wear.
The fronts remain attractive and readily identifiable.
The California example retains strong yellow/orange color and readable plate number.
The Michigan example retains attractive green and yellow coloring with readable AH 4681, Michigan 59, and Water Wonderland markings.
The Illinois example retains readable 1959 Illinois, plate number and Land of Lincoln markings.
The reverse sides show age-related wear. One DAV back has noticeable surface loss/corrosion in the center area. The others show varying scratches, oxidation, discoloration, edge wear and age-related surface marks.
These pieces have NOT been aggressively polished or restored, preserving their vintage character and patina.
Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition. Photos are considered an important part of the description and show the actual three pieces you will receive.
GREAT COLLECTIBLE FOR
Vintage license plate collectors
Miniature license plate collectors
Automobilia collectors
DAV / Disabled American Veterans collectors
Michigan memorabilia collectors
California memorabilia collectors
Illinois memorabilia collectors
Vintage key-chain collectors
Key tag collectors
1950s memorabilia collectors
Mid-century Americana collectors
Transportation memorabilia collectors
Gas station / garage display collectors
Automotive history collections
Roadside Americana displays
LOT OF 3 – ALL THREE PIECES SHOWN ARE INCLUDED.
A colorful and increasingly unusual group of genuine vintage automotive memorabilia featuring California, Michigan and Illinois miniature license plates and the historic Disabled American Veterans key-return program.
Please Study My response - I Ship Quick and Great Customer Service is My Priority !
Lets Go !!! :) - I am Here For You
I Do Combine Shipping - Please check out my store inventory - It is extensive.
Please study the photos.
Send along any questions you have.
Super Quick Shipping and Super Careful Packaging.
You will receive what you see in these pictures.
I am adding inventory regularly so if you like what
you see, Add me to your favorite Sellers list and check back
often to find more treasures.
Please Browse All My Listings
I do combine shipping on most things.
QUICK WHITE GLOVE SHIPPING
Looking for more similar? Check out my store - Vintage Amazing Finds
I have MANY similar items I am adding new things all the time! Check back often!
I couldn't be on this wild ride without you.
My goal is to make you feel good about your purchases.
Finding and Shipping Fun Nostalgic Treasures From Yester-Year for Over 25 Years
