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Offered here is an excellent group of 4 original vintage miniature automobile license plate key tags / key fobs associated with the historic Disabled American Veterans (DAV) key return program.
These miniature plates were designed to resemble an automobile owner\'s actual license plate and were attached to the owner\'s keys. If the keys were lost, the reverse instructed the finder to deposit them in any mailbox, allowing them to be returned through the DAV key-return program.
This lot contains a great assortment spanning approximately 1959–1964, including two Michigan examples plus California and Indiana.
INCLUDED IN THIS LOT:
1. 1959 MICHIGAN – AH 4681 – WATER WONDERLAND
Attractive green and yellow miniature Michigan license plate.
Marked:
19 MICHIGAN 59
AH 4681
WATER WONDERLAND
This example still has a metal key clip/hook attached, adding to its display appeal and showing how these miniature plates were actually used.
A particularly attractive piece of 1950s Michigan automobilia featuring Michigan\'s classic Water Wonderland slogan.
2. 1962 MICHIGAN – LP 11 65
Unusual translucent amber/orange style miniature Michigan license plate/key tag.
Visible markings include:
62
LP 11 65
MICHIGAN
This is a distinctly different construction/style from the conventional metal-framed tags in the lot and makes the grouping especially interesting.
Reverse retains vintage Disabled American Veterans key-return information.
3. CALIFORNIA – NRX 065
Classic yellow California miniature license plate with black lettering.
Marked:
CALIFORNIA
NRX 065
Features a green 1962 California registration sticker and a small 56 marking in the upper right corner.
Metal-framed construction with key attachment hole.
A terrific piece for a California license plate, automobilia, roadside Americana or vintage automotive collection.
4. 1964 INDIANA – 20A5155
Red and white miniature Indiana license plate/key tag.
Clearly marked:
INDIANA
20A5155
1964
Attractive red background with contrasting white lettering and integral key attachment hole.
Reverse has molded/embossed DAV key-return information.
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS / DAV CONNECTION
These fascinating pieces are more than miniature license plates—they represent an interesting chapter in American automotive and postal history.
The reverse markings include versions of:
POSTAGE GUARANTEED
FINDER DEPOSIT ANY MAILBOX
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
CINCINNATI, OHIO
The idea was simple: attach the registered DAV identification tag to your keys. If they were lost, the finder could deposit the keys in a mailbox for return.
Today these vintage tags are collectible as automobilia, miniature license plates, DAV memorabilia, key tags, key chains, transportation memorabilia and mid-century Americana.
CONDITION
All four pieces are vintage and previously used and show varying amounts of age-related wear.
Expect scratches, scuffs, surface wear, discoloration, oxidation/tarnish, fading and other evidence of age and previous use.
The 1962 Michigan translucent tag shows substantial age toning/discoloration but remains identifiable.
The 1959 Michigan Water Wonderland example remains colorful and attractive and has its metal key clip attached. Its reverse shows substantial loss/wear to the surface/label area.
The California NRX 065 plate remains colorful and highly readable, with its 1962 registration sticker visible.
The 1964 Indiana example remains bright and easily readable and shows typical surface wear from age/use.
The DAV markings on the reverses range from very readable to heavily worn.
These pieces have not been aggressively cleaned or restored. They retain the patina and wear acquired during decades of use and storage.
Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition. The photographs show the actual four vintage tags you will receive and are considered an important part of the description.
COLLECTING INTEREST INCLUDES:
Vintage automobilia
Miniature license plates
Vintage license plate key tags
DAV memorabilia
Disabled American Veterans collectibles
Michigan automobilia
Michigan Water Wonderland memorabilia
California automobilia
Indiana automobilia
1950s automotive memorabilia
1960s automotive memorabilia
Vintage key chains and key fobs
Transportation collectibles
Mid-century Americana
Roadside Americana
Garage and gas station display
Vintage automotive accessories
LOT OF 4 – SOLD TOGETHER EXACTLY AS SHOWN.
A wonderful assortment of genuine vintage automotive memorabilia covering Michigan, California and Indiana, with examples dating from the late 1950s through the 1960s.
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