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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
1940 - 1949
1940
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
| No information is known for this year. |  |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1941
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
|
Plates measure 6" x 12" Manufactured in Pennsylvania prisons Colors: gold on dark blue Used by Governor Arthur James. |
 From Eric Conner |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1942
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
| No information is known for this year. | |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1943
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
| No information is known for this year. | |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1944
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
|
First two plates measure 6" x 12", third plate measures 6" x 11" Manufactured in Pennsylvania prisons Colors: gold on dark blue Used by Governor Edward Martin. |
 (6" x 12") From Eric Conner  (6" x 12") From John Willard  (6" x 11") From eBay (pinkocelot) |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1945
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
|
Plates measure 6" x 11" Manufactured in Pennsylvania prisons Colors: dark blue on gold Used by Governor Edward Martin. |
 From Eric Conner  From Eric Conner |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1946
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
|
Plates measure 6" x 11" Manufactured in Pennsylvania prisons Colors: gold on dark blue Used by Governor Edward Martin. |
 From John McDevitt |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1947
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
|
Plates measure 6" x 11" Manufactured in Pennsylvania prisons Colors: dark blue on gold Used by Governor James H. Duff. |
 From Jake Eckenrode |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1948
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
|
Plates measure 6" x 11" Manufactured in Pennsylvania prisons Colors: gold on dark blue Used by Governor James H. Duff. |
 From Jake Eckenrode |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1949
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
|
Plates measure 6" x 11" Manufactured in Pennsylvania prisons Colors: dark blue on gold Used by Governor James H. Duff. |
 From Eric Conner  From Chuck Harrington |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |