Rustic Plates has the perfect, unique gift for every “hard to buy for” person in your life. Vintage license plates are interesting keepsakes and will earn you some major brownie points with your loved ones!
Here are a few ideas for the hard-to-buy-for people in your life:
For the history buff:
Find a year, place or theme speciality plate that suits your giftee! Is your dad a retired firefighter? He might love a firefighter related plate. We have tons of choices depending on their background, like collectable veterans plates and retired farm plates.
For the man with an empty wall in his man cave:
If you want something a bit more artistic than vintage license plates, we have a selection of license plate maps, made in the USA! Check out our handmade 50-state U.S. map, guaranteed to be a show-stopper at your holiday celebration!
For the DIY’er:
Order some pre-cut letters or specific plates and find a project that fits their interests. Pinterest has tons of license plate craft ideas, check out these great pins for inspiration! Bonus points if you plan a day to make something together, that's like two gifts in one!
Happy Gifting!
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A friend and fellow collector put together an incredible website with information about Washington State license plates. In addition to county information you will also find great history on prestates, temporary license plates and more. Excerpt below and image provided from dannyslicenseplates.com. His website is worth a visit!
In 1935, Washington began to issue license plates by county. A one- or two-letter prefix denoted the county, and letters were assigned by the order of population, with King County, the most populous, receiving letter A, followed by Pierce with B, and so on. After letter Z, the 13 smallest counties received two-letter prefixes derived from the county name.
For the first six years, the passenger vehicle class was the only license plate type to receive a county code. Starting in 1941, truck and trailer formats were adapted to include county codes. In 1954 the system remained the same, except the county code became a suffix.
With the adoption of a modern ABC 123 numbering format for passenger vehicles in 1958, the county codes were modified to a three-letter format as shown below (county coding was discontinued for truck and trailer plates). By 1980 the system became too complex to manage and the state discontinued the practice.
]]>We asked ChatGPT for two poems on license plates:
In the wild expanse where roads converge, Where earth and asphalt meet, a poetic urge, Rustic License Plates, your name echoes true, Embracing the charm of days anew.
Through valleys vast and mountain peaks, A symphony of steel, each license plate speaks, With "Vintage Heritage" and "Rustic Dreams," Your collection shines, like golden sunbeams.
"Timeworn Treasures" with stories untold, Like whispers of the past, a history unfold, "Rustic Roadways" wind through ancient lands, Where memories linger, like shifting sands.
With "Weathered Wisdom" etched in each line, License plates from eras, forever enshrined, "Forged with Passion," those words boldly proclaim, A tribute to craftsmanship, a time-honored game.
In "Antique Adventure," we embark on a quest, Where time slows down, and the heart finds rest, As "Rustic Wanderlust" takes us far and wide, We rediscover beauty in moments we ride.
Through "Countryside Charm" and "Nature's Embrace," We traverse landscapes, their grace we embrace, "Vintage Vagabond" and "Wilderness Serenade," Your rustic plates paint memories unafraid.
Oh, Rustic License Plate Haven, a treasure trove, Where nostalgia and heritage freely rove, From "Rugged Reflections" to "Rustic Revival," Each plate tells a tale of a life's grand arrival.
With "Weathered Whispers" and "Country Soul," Your plates capture journeys that make us whole, In the tapestry of roads, where stories unfold, Rustic License Plate Haven, your spirit, behold.
So let the highways bear witness, as we roam, Through rustic landscapes we claim as our own, For in your collection, memories are preserved, Rustic License Plate Haven, where stories are heard.
With a touch of aged elegance, a rustic embrace, You capture the essence of time and space, Oh, Rustic License Plate Haven, we celebrate, The beauty of heritage you so gracefully relate.
License plates, like miniature canvases,
Bursting with colors, stories, and chances.
Each one a snapshot, a unique design,
A reflection of personality, a personalized sign.
Imagine a license plate, weathered and aged,
With a worn-out charm, history engraved.
Its background a rustic, vintage hue,
Like weathered barnwood, with tales anew.
The edges, adorned with intricate filigree,
Like delicate vines, weaving gracefully.
A touch of nostalgia, a touch of grace,
Emanating a rustic charm, in every trace.
In the center, bold and proudly displayed,
A symbol or emblem, like a herald's parade.
A majestic deer, with antlers held high,
Representing wilderness, beneath a painted sky.
The font, carefully chosen, a rustic script,
Elegant and timeless, on the plate it's equipped.
Curved and flowing, like a country lane,
Inviting memories of a simpler time, again.
And scattered across, like stars in the night,
Whimsical symbols, catching the light.
A horseshoe for luck, a cowboy's hat,
A compass pointing onward, where roads are at.
In the corners, corners, symbols of nature's reign,
A majestic pine tree, a golden grain.
An eagle in flight, wings spread with pride,
Capturing the spirit of freedom, far and wide.
The backdrop, textured and weathered so,
With cracks and imperfections, it seems to glow.
Each mark, a story, a journey embraced,
Testifying to adventures, across time and space.
This license plate image, rustic and grand,
Reflects the soul of the open land.
A homage to heritage, a touch of art,
Where license plates become a cherished part.
So let this image symbolize the rustic appeal,
Of license plates that captivate and reveal.
The beauty of history, the stories they tell,
An artistic blend of rustic charm, they excel.
Title: Unveiling the Fascinating World of License Plates
Introduction:
License plates may seem like simple pieces of metal attached to our vehicles, but they hold a wealth of information and stories waiting to be discovered. From their origins in the early days of automobile registration to their evolving designs and cultural significance, license plates offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and diversity of transportation around the world. In this blog post, we will explore the captivating world of license plates and the intriguing stories they tell.
License plates have a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. As motor vehicles became more prevalent, governments sought a way to identify and regulate them. The first license plates were introduced to assign a unique identifier to each vehicle, making it easier to track ownership and enforce traffic laws. The early plates were often made of porcelain or metal, handcrafted with registration numbers and sometimes even owner initials.
Over time, license plate designs have evolved to reflect the changing aesthetics and needs of society. From simple numbers and letters to intricate graphics and state-specific symbols, the visual elements of license plates have become more diverse and captivating. Each state or country has its own distinctive design, incorporating elements such as state flags, landmarks, wildlife, and cultural motifs. These designs not only showcase regional pride but also serve as a form of artistic expression.
License plates have become a means of personal expression for many vehicle owners. Personalized or vanity plates allow individuals to choose a unique combination of letters and numbers that hold personal meaning or reflect their interests and hobbies. From clever wordplay to heartfelt messages, personalized plates add a touch of individuality to the vehicles they adorn. They often spark curiosity and serve as conversation starters on the road.
License plate collecting has gained popularity among enthusiasts worldwide. Collectors are drawn to the historical significance, design variations, and rarity of certain plates. Special series plates, such as those issued for commemorative events, anniversaries, or charitable causes, are highly sought after by collectors. These plates not only serve as unique mementos but also contribute to fundraising efforts and public awareness campaigns.
License plates have transcended their original purpose of identification and have become cultural symbols. They reflect the diversity and values of a region or country, acting as small windows into the social fabric and history of a place. License plates can often be associated with certain stereotypes or evoke a sense of nostalgia, representing a particular era or cultural movement.
Conclusion:
License plates may seem like mundane objects, but they hold a remarkable significance and serve as captivating pieces of history. From their humble beginnings as simple identification tags to their current role as cultural artifacts, license plates offer a unique lens through which we can explore the evolution of transportation, regional pride, and personal expression. Next time you spot a license plate, take a moment to appreciate the stories it carries and the hidden wonders it represents.
]]>https://rusticplates.com/collections/50-state-sets/products/embossed-50-state-set-of-us-license-plates-in-craft-condition
If it's just a few states you might want, we've also put together a pick a state for raised/embossed only license plates.
https://rusticplates.com/collections/pick-a-state/products/embossed-authentic-license-plates-in-craft-worn-condition-all-states-available-usvi-dc-caribbean-mexico-canada-more
]]>Please, send us photos of the cool projects you are making. We would love to showcase them for others to see!
https://rusticplates.com/collections/custom/products/50-roadkill-condition-license-plates-from-at-least-30-different-states
]]>https://rusticplates.com/collections/custom/products/vintage-lot-of-50-license-plates-all-1979-older
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Once again, welcome to Rustic Plates!
Regards,
-Rustic Plates Team
Iowa has now changed their license plate design but we received a large batch of the older farm style plates. It's a beautiful plate and for the most part, these are in good condition. That said, if there are large scratches or big dents we sort those out into the craft condition pile. In addition, we also separate out plates that need a wash and plates that have great letters that can be cut up so our customers can make license plate signs. Hope you enjoy the sort!
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What makes this such a cool license plate? It's not just Chile or the great slogan, it's the color scheme. The main purpose of a license plate is to be readable on the road by other drives. Yellow on black stands out extremely well as does the graphic and the yellow boarder on the plate. It's hard to miss seeing one of these when you are on the road. It's also hard to miss them in a collection of plates.
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A big thanks to Sarah for asking this question and for the compliment! We use an industrial grade metal sheer. It cuts the plate extremely straight and with smooth edges. That's really important for safety and also to make sure we're getting the best cut for our customers license plate crafts. Occasionally we do chop a plate that might have some damage on one letter but with no damage on the others. We sort those out so there are two conditions: good condition and worn condition. Unlike our full license plates with crafts most of our customers prefer good condition letters. But many still like the worn look especially for unique license plate crafts. We made a short video showing the process in action.
We got this question in from Jeff. The short answer is we don't. There are a number of reasons but the two biggest ones are that older vintage plates are a lot more rare and are great to display on their own. The other reason is that most older plates are made from steel and they don't cut well or install well. Modern license plates are made of aluminum and are easy to cut and easy to install.
That's a question we get a lot. Most people prefer to use screws, however some use brad nails, regular nails, and some have even used glue. Your preference might depend on the type of wood you are using. Thanks for your question Mason!
If you have questions for us, send an email to tags@rusticplates.com