Non-DAV Keychain License Plate Examples

Note: All tags are scanned at the same resolution to preserve size ratios.

1939 California BF Goodrich Tag

BF Goodrich tags were sold by BF Goodrich tire stores. I have a 1942 BF Goodrich Almanac which has an advertisement for these for only 10 cents! The ad reads:

You can wear your license plate on your key chain

It's Smart -- It's Personal -- It helps your memory -- It avoids embarrassment

Your own number -- Your own state colors in baked enamel

1940 Nebraska BF Goodrich Tag

1940 California

This keychain license plate appears to be made of a solid piece of plastic inside a metal frame. The metal frame has "PAT. APP. FOR" on one edge and "HOLLYWOOD SPECIALTY CO." on another.

1940 Pennsylvania "Esso" Bakelite

This keychain license plate appears to be made of a solid piece of bakelite with the plate number and key return information screened onto the front & back. Approximate dimensions are 1.38 inches length x .69 wide x .17 inches thick. There is a small hole drilled through the side of the tag to attach to keys. The "typical" DAV sized chain doesn't fit through the hole, but a smaller diameter chain I have does.

1940 Montana "Lost Key Service"

1940 Wyoming "Park Pass"

This license plate is the largest in my collection. The number on it doesn't represent the original owners plate number. It is comprised of two plastic halves which slide open to allow the user to record their actual license number and name and address inside on the provided blanks.

1941 California "Make Your Own"

Back is solid black plastic (not pictured)

1941 Oregon "Make Your Own"

Back is solid black plastic (not pictured)

1941 Michigan "IDENT-O-TAG"

1941 Wisconsin "IDENT-O-TAG"

1942 Oregon "Jumbo"

1942 Nebraska "Standard Oil"

1942 California "Make Your Own (double window)"

1942 Montana "The Miner's Bar"

1943 New Jersey "Make Your Own (double window)"

1942 New Jersey "Make Your Own (double window)" (front)

1942 New Jersey "Make Your Own (double window)" (back)

Undated Generic

Back is solid black plastic (not pictured)

Based on the style of manufacture this generic keychain license plate was probably created in the early 40's. I call it the "Cheap-o" since the cost to manufacture and purchase must have been very low.

Japanese Charity Plate

1962 Canal Zone

I don't have a lot of information on these, but looks as if they were sold to raise money for the Balboa Lions Club.

New York AAA

This keychain license plate appears to be made of a solid piece of plastic inside a metal frame. The back (not pictured) is a blank metal back. The metal frame has "LEROCO N.Y.C. PAY. PEND." on one edge.

Victory / Pearl Harbor

These aren't keychain license plates, but obviously fit in to a collection like mine. These were possibly sold to raise money for the war effort.

Gumball Assortment

These were sold in gumball vending machines and were issued for all states, Canadian provinces and assorted other random things (as demonstrated by the hanburgers with onions).