Colorado licensed driver?

[CoinHunterAZ]

I found this interesting item, sorry for the slightly fuzzy pic, item is placed on a napkin. At the top is the date of 1915, at the very bottom is the number 5. There is a large "C", and at the left side "LICENSED" within the C. Inside the C you can make out the letters OLORADO. What did I find?

 

[2screwed]

It is a Colorado driver/chauffeur badge. A very low numbered one at that. Here's a link to one with a much higher number that recently sold on ebay for $260.

1915 Colorado Driver Chauffeur Badge | eBay

I don't know if there is a way to trace who it was issued to but it might be worth trying to.

Here's a link that will explain more about this type of badge.

Vintage Chauffeur and Taxi Badges - Collector Information | Collectors Weekly

 

[AU Seeker]

Very Cool, I think you have a great item/find there!!!

 

[CoinHunterAZ]

WOW! Thanks for the quick answer and link. Mine is in no where near the condition of the one on ebay. The back is still full of dirt & mud and it is bent & rippled a little. I may soak in olive oil and see if I can very gently clean it up. Thanks again for the info.

 

[vpnavy]

Outstanding find CoinHunterAZ!

 

[2screwed]

WOW! Thanks for the quick answer and link. Mine is in no where near the condition of the one on ebay. The back is still full of dirt & mud and it is bent & rippled a little. I may soak in olive oil and see if I can very gently clean it up. Thanks again for the info.

Your welcome. If its brass it should clean up pretty nice. If it is bent I would think about contacting someone in your area that does jewelry repair. It probably wouldn't cost much to have them straighten it out. I would love to see it when you get done with it so please post a picture.

 

[doublet2a]

Nice find,, love things like that,, I have about 20 California ones I have found..

Tim

 

[rayrayvegas]

Cool find, it was one of my first finds over 25 years ago. A 1923 badge from Utah.