Final Year of Ohio’s Porcelain Enamel Licence Plates
An original 1917 Ohio licence plate, representing the final year of the state’s porcelain enamel licence plate era.
Ohio first introduced state-issued licence plates in 1908, manufactured from heavy steel with a durable vitreous porcelain enamel coating. The 1917 issue marked the end of this distinctive manufacturing method before Ohio adopted embossed steel plates in 1918 as material conservation became increasingly important during the First World War.
More than a century later, surviving examples remain highly sought after by collectors of automobilia and early American transport history.
An original used example displaying honest signs of age and period use.
Please study all photographs carefully as they form part of the description - Used condition - The plate has been used on a vehicle in the USA. Used licence plates have signs of wear and tear - including but not limited to - creases, crazing, bends, scuffs, rust, scratches, missing paint/graphics, age related marks.
As the final porcelain enamel issue produced by Ohio before the transition to embossed steel plates in 1918, this represents an important milestone in American licence plate history. A wonderful addition for collectors of automobilia, early motoring memorabilia, or historic transport artefacts. The vitreous porcelain enamel finish was exceptionally durable in normal use but could chip if struck or bent, making well-preserved examples increasingly difficult to find today.
Postage will be via tracked courier for safe delivery.