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Governor
The first Governor plate was issued in 1912. It is quite possible that more than one plate was produced per year. It cannot be said with complete certainty that all of the plates pictured below were actually in use on cars. This comment is based partially upon the lack of any wear marks around the bolt holes on some plates. It is also possible that a plate was used for a short period, given to someone as a prized souvenir or gift, and immediately replaced by another identical plate. Some of the above comments were provided by Eric Conner.
Prior to 1929, the history of Governor plates is a little spotty, as no #1 plate bore the word "GOVERNOR". Eric has not seen or heard of any Governor plates from the 1920s with the exception of 1929, although a #1 for the "Official" type is known for 1926.
Eric also points out that no “Governor” or #1 plates from the "Youve Got a Friend Base" to present have surfaced. It is believed that Governor Thornburgh (1979-1987) was the last governor to use the #1 license plate.
See article on first Governor's Plate: Governor Leads - First Governor Plate Article
1912 - 1919
1912 (First Year)
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
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Plates measure 6" x 8" Manufactured by Brilliant Manufacturing, Co. of Philadelphia, PA Colors: white on woodgrain The story goes that while vacationing in New England in 1912, Governor Tener gave this plate to a young boy who asked for it. The Governor gave it away because he said "I have an extra." As a result this plate went from collector to collector but has not been in PA since 1912. Eric Conner did the legwork to get this image. See article on first Governor's Plate: Governor Leads - First Governor Plate Article See Harrisburg Telegraph article dated December 29, 1911: Governor Will Ride in No. 1 Car |
 From Eric Conner |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1913
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
| No information is known for this year. |  |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1914
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
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Plates measure 6" x 8" Manufactured by Brilliant Manufacturing, Co. of Philadelphia, PA Colors: white on black Used by Governor John K. Tener |
 From Harry Nowak |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1915
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
| No information is known for this year. | |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1916
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
| No information is known for this year. | |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1917
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
| No information is known for this year. | |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1918
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
| No information is known for this year. | |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1919
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
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Plates measure 6" x 10" Manufactured in Pennsylvania prisons Colors: red on black This super-nice Governor plate at some point in its life was painted the wrong colors. Ned had it professionally refinished. The refinisher did a great job but added a clear coat which probably gives it more luster than it had originally. Used by Governor William Cameron Sproul. |
 From Ned Flynn |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |