Lot 273

1923 California Automobile License Plate No. 724-288 – Original Embossed Steel DMV Plate – Early Motor Vehicle Registration

Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 273
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3
1923 California Automobile License Plate No. 724-288 – Original Embossed Steel DMV Plate – Early Motor Vehicle Registration
1923 California Automobile License Plate No. 724-288 – Original Embossed Steel DMV Plate – Early Motor Vehicle Registration
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3

1923 California Automobile License Plate No. 724-288 – Original Embossed Steel DMV Plate – Early Motor Vehicle Registration

Starting Bid: $5

(0 Bids)
by California Auction Company LLC
August 1, 2026 9:00 AM PDT
Live Auction
1212 E. Harding Way
Stockton, CA, US 95205

An original 1923 California automobile license plate, embossed steel, bearing registration number 724-288. Produced during the formative years of California's rapidly expanding automobile culture, this authentic California Department of Motor Vehicles issue represents an increasingly scarce survivor from the early era of American motoring. Manufactured in heavy-gauge embossed steel, the plate features the distinctive six-digit registration format and centrally positioned "23" date characteristic of California's 1923 issue. Issued during a period of unprecedented growth in automobile ownership, these plates accompanied vehicles that traversed the state's expanding highway system, connecting California's growing cities with its agricultural and coastal regions. The present example exhibits an exceptional untouched surface with extensive age-earned oxidation, corrosion, and weathering accumulated over more than a century. While much of the original painted finish has yielded to a rich natural patina, the embossed registration number "724-288" and date remain discernible, preserving the plate's authentic historic character. Its honest, unrestored condition offers outstanding decorative appeal while serving as a tangible artifact from California's pioneering automotive era. Original California license plates from the early 1920s remain among the most desirable issues for collectors due to their relative scarcity, bold embossed typography, and historical significance. They are prized by automobilia enthusiasts, transportation historians, and collectors seeking authentic examples from the state's earliest licensing period. An evocative survivor from the golden age of early American motoring.

  • Literature: Comparable examples are illustrated in: • Michael J. Wiener, License Plates of the United States: A Pictorial History. • ALPCA (Automobile License Plate Collectors Association) publications and archival references. • California Department of Motor Vehicles historical license plate references.
  • Circa: 1923
  • Condition: Original unrestored condition. Heavy overall oxidation, corrosion, and surface rust throughout with substantial loss of the original painted finish. Embossed registration number 724-288 and central "23" date remain visible despite extensive weathering. Mounting holes exhibit expected wear from period installation and use. Structurally sound overall with strong embossed detail and an attractive untouched century-old patina.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Paypal, Visa

Shipping

An invoice will be sent to you after the auction is completed. Please pay for the items you won, then we will pack your items and send you another invoice for the shipping cost. If you have a credit card on file with us (California Auction Company), the card will be charged. You can put a card on file by contacting us at (209) 464-2100. Otherwise, we will email shipping invoices via Paypal or Square.

California Auction Company LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 + $50