License plate collecting with the Wizard

March 5th, 2015 at 2:53:58 PM permalink
Wizard
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Member since: Oct 23, 2012
Threads: 239
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2 hours to go and the auction is at $405. I'm tempted to up my bid. I'm quite sure I'll never see one of these for sale again.
Knowledge is Good -- Emil Faber
March 5th, 2015 at 3:43:39 PM permalink
Ayecarumba
Member since: Oct 24, 2012
Threads: 89
Posts: 1744
Is it a "licence plate" It seemed to function more like a "badge" to identify foreign vehicles. The good shape of the paint in the American flag gives me pause regarding whether or not it is in original condition. Supposedly, the plate is almost 30 years old, but the steel around the mounting holes looks rust free.
March 5th, 2015 at 7:16:59 PM permalink
Wizard
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Member since: Oct 23, 2012
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It closed for $1267, which was much more than my max bid.

Quote: Ayecarumba
Is it a "licence plate" It seemed to function more like a "badge" to identify foreign vehicles. The good shape of the paint in the American flag gives me pause regarding whether or not it is in original condition. Supposedly, the plate is almost 30 years old, but the steel around the mounting holes looks rust free.


I would argue that a license plate pretty much is a numbered badge for a car. I think it may have been made of aluminum, which would explain the lack of rust. The nice condition of the flag does look a little fishy. I suspect the flag is a sticker and perhaps not the first one to be put on that plate.
Knowledge is Good -- Emil Faber
March 5th, 2015 at 8:13:10 PM permalink
Evenbob
Member since: Oct 24, 2012
Threads: 146
Posts: 25010
Quote: Wizard
It closed for $1267, which was much more than my max bid.


I had a collector on Ebay pay $4500 for
a Civil War telegraph key that I got in
a box of keys for $20. Collectors have
a screw loose.
If you take a risk, you may lose. If you never take a risk, you will always lose.
March 9th, 2015 at 7:38:24 PM permalink
Wizard
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Member since: Oct 23, 2012
Threads: 239
Posts: 6095
Somebody doing an article about me asked for picture of my collection. Here is what I sent him, taken earlier today. These are some of my best plates as measured by a combination of financial value, sentimental value, and appearance.

.

Click on image for larger version.
Knowledge is Good -- Emil Faber
March 9th, 2015 at 8:14:26 PM permalink
Evenbob
Member since: Oct 24, 2012
Threads: 146
Posts: 25010
I see most of these plates are odd sizes, almost
no 'regular' size plates. Is that on purpose?
If you take a risk, you may lose. If you never take a risk, you will always lose.
March 9th, 2015 at 8:44:48 PM permalink
Wizard
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Member since: Oct 23, 2012
Threads: 239
Posts: 6095
Quote: Evenbob
I see most of these plates are odd sizes, almost
no 'regular' size plates. Is that on purpose?


No. Foreign plates usually are odd sizes and many of those plates are foreign. Before about 1956, there was no consistent license plate size in the US. The really old ones, dating to the early days of cars, tended to be quite big and heavy, made of porcelain on steel. The oddest size is probably the red California motorcycle plate, which is curved, to fit over the front wheel cover.
Knowledge is Good -- Emil Faber
March 9th, 2015 at 9:05:17 PM permalink
rxwine
Member since: Oct 24, 2012
Threads: 188
Posts: 18631
[.

Click on image for larger version.


Should put that hamster in a little car with a license plate on it. (license HAMSTER 1)
You believe in an invisible god, and dismiss people who say they are trans? Really?
March 9th, 2015 at 9:27:43 PM permalink
Wizard
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Member since: Oct 23, 2012
Threads: 239
Posts: 6095
Quote: rxwine
Should put that hamster in a little car with a license plate on it. (license HAMSTER 1)


I was wondering if anybody would notice that. Actually, she is a guinea pig.
Knowledge is Good -- Emil Faber
March 9th, 2015 at 10:05:33 PM permalink
rxwine
Member since: Oct 24, 2012
Threads: 188
Posts: 18631
Oh, license "Pig 1"
You believe in an invisible god, and dismiss people who say they are trans? Really?