Old License Plates

[West Jersey Detecting]

I found some very old license plates today one, possibly pre 1910, the others are pre 1939. They are black with mild corrosion, but not rusty. I left them behind, but I am having second thoughts. I guess I can refinish them by sanding and painting in their original colors, if necessary. Should I go back to retrieve them, or just leave them behind as trash?

 

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[aa battery]

Now Neil you know the answer to that one. Go back and get um. Check Ebay some go for good money. I hope i helped ...aa

 

[TeddyB1967]

Yup, I would say "Go back and get them" They may be valuable, but you'll never know if ya leave them there


http://antiques.about.com/od/miscellaneou1/a/aa022005.htm
<Further Research on License Plate Values
Prices can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars in the license plate market so it pays to have a reference guide handy if you’re going to get serious about collecting them. It’s worth tracking down a copy of License Plate Values by Bob and Chuck Chrisler, if you’d like to get serious about this hobby.>

http://www.alpca.org/
License Plate Collectors site

http://oldlicenseplates.com/license-plates/license-plate-auctions.html
License Plate Auction Site by State

http://www.pl8s.com/faq.htm
Frequently Asked Questions About Collecting License Plates

 

[Leon]

Yep,, if you can get'em... go back and get'em...
A lot of those old license plates are very collectable...

 

[Baggins]

I would definitely go back and get them, but then again, I bring everything back!
Baggins

 

[ModernMiner]

Neil,
Anything metal we want to see here on TN.
I love old cars and anything related to old cars, so YES, please go back and get them. Don't forget to take pictures too.
The oldest one I've dug so far was a 1941 NC.
Good luck,
MM

 

[crazyjarhead]

I guess everyone else has answered for me as well.

 

[stefen]

If your going to paint and refinish them, they are better off staying where they are.

Nothing kills the value to a collector more than someone making something new

 

[West Jersey Detecting]

If your going to paint and refinish them, they are better off staying where they are.

Nothing kills the value to a collector more than someone making something new

I returned to recover the tags this morning. It is funny how our mind plays tricks. I was able to read the dates [19]10 and [19]21, however they were rotted through. Isn't it funny how our minds play tricks on us? I also found what appeared to be a rim of an early auto tire, and other parts of metal scattered around. There may actually be an old automobile buried. I decided to leave the tags behind, for fear that my wife would have given me hell for bringing more trash into the home.

I also forgot to bring a camera to show the site.

 

[cottonjim]

What they said!!!!!!!! HH
Jim

 

[watercolor]

[size=10pt]I decided to leave the tags behind, for fear that my wife would have given me hell for bringing more trash into the home.[/size]

Neil, my wife is the same way. . . I now have a "special" place in the garage (that's well-hidden) for the rusted relics that my wife considers "trash"

 

[1962Vdub]

Cool find early plates.I am sure there is a hot rodder around that could use them.I do know if the car rim is as old as the plates most of the rims were wood back then. HH

 

[firedup]

I can't be leave you did that, yes please go back and get them. great find!!!

 

[civilman1]

Neil.....check this site out...www.tagdr.com

 

[JJS NEW ENGLAND]

YOU CANT LOSE EITHER WAY. NICE TO HAVE REFINISHED OR NOT.HH

 

[JC dig's]

Old plates can be cool when restored.

 

[I_Dig_NYC]

Go get em man and post some pics. Old plates are very collectible. Car buffs like my brother are always looking for some to display on the garage wall. If they're as old as you say heck ya go back. Clean them up but before you start sanding the original paint check out how much they're worth. I know some things are worth more in original condition. There definitely is a market for those..
Harry.

 

[windrun]

You should go there and get it. I never forgot one thing, one time, I went to the farm auction and see one box of full license tag, about 50 of them. Sold for 150 bucks! And also, I see some oldest tag sell in the ebay and run around 100 bucks with fair condition.

Richard

 

[BuckleBoy]

Looks like folks should start reading the replies...

 

[kindafoundabuckle]

What you need to do is go back with your camera and take pictures and then check EBay for value. I hear they can be quite valuable to collectors. Some guys hang them in there garage!!!