Souvenir License Plate Appraisal

1939 New York World's Fair License Plate

This item is a vintage New York license plate, measuring approximately 13 inches in width and 6 inches in height, consistent with standard license plate dimensions of the era. It is constructed from metal, likely steel, given its visible signs of age and corrosion. The primary colors are a dark, almost black background with raised, embossed goldenrod yellow characters. The top line reads 'N.Y.' on the left and '38' on the right, indicating the state and possibly the year of issuance or validation, though the plate itself commemorates a 1939 event. The main alphanumeric sequence '5X-459' is prominently displayed in the center. Uniquely, the bottom edge features the embossed text 'NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR 1939', which is a significant distinguishing feature, tying this plate directly to a major historical event. The plate exhibits considerable wear, including surface rust, particularly along the edges and in areas where the paint has chipped or worn away, revealing the underlying metal. There are four drilled holes, one in each corner, for mounting purposes, typical of automotive license plates. The overall condition suggests that it was likely used on a vehicle, accumulating a natural patina over decades. The craftsmanship is consistent with mass-produced vehicle plates of the late 1930s, featuring legible embossing. A thin wire is currently threaded through the top two mounting holes, indicating that it is currently being used for display.