1911 Vehicle License - Watch Fob size??

Kiros32

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I am posting this for a friend. He is wondering what this license would have been for. I have not seen it, but based on the photo, I gather that it has the size and characteristics of a watch fob. Any idea what this was for? What was it attached to? Was it carried by someone?

Thanks in advance for your help.
 

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;D It looks like an old Huckster's license. Usually horsedrawn wagons selling door to door. Had them all over town when I was a kid. It was like a tax or license fee tag. Also used on autos to keep unlicensed vendors from selling out of a wagon or car without paying taxes. :laughing9: Of coarse if you listen to my wife I am always wrong. :laughing9: :tongue3:
 

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Here's something a little like it -

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-brass-drivers-license-key-tag-fob-cassatt

1_dc26da4c11cb278264edc8e65d2dc920.jpg


A vintage brass 1937 driver's license key tag or fob from Cassatt, South Carolina. The front states that it expires June 30, 1941, the name and address of the driver and at the bottom South Carolina Drivers License. The reverse side contains the vital statistics of this person and at the bottom S. C. State Highway Dept Motor Vehicle Division. Measures about 2 1/4" long by just over 3/4" tall.
 

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:coffee2: When I was a young boy I helped out on what was called an "Arabbers Wagon" in Baltimore. Today I doubt if there are very many left as they have been targetted by urban attacks against their way of life. These were usually older African American men who were just trying to make a living doing what they loved to do. Be around horses and make a little money to support their families. These tags could be nailed to the wagon or fastened to the horses halter or straps. The Arabbers were a way of life back then. Everything you can imagine was sold off the horse drawn wagons. Fruit, Ice, Coal and Vegatables. I doubt if there are many left now. These men were, for the most part, black older men. They were proud of their wagons and horses and took very good care of them. But, now they have been targeted by urban animal rights types who think a horse is a pet and should not be a working animal. The rules and regulations along with the outrageous cost of licensing and the cost of maintaining, and getting permits for stables has become prohibitive. there used to be stables all over town. This way of life was part of the flavor of Baltimore in the day. Cobblestone streets, horsedrawn waggons, Arabbers, Hucksters and every kid walking along petting the Arabber's horse and carrying produce to the customer's front door for a nickle or dime or helping to shovel coal into a basement coal bin through the sidewalk door will be sorely missed. Google Baltimore Arabbers and read about some of the history of a dying Way of life. There are only a few of these men left. I'd guess less than 35 in a city the size of Baltimore. I know I'll miss seeing them and hearing their cries of, "Waaaatermelllllon, Caaantellloooope, Straaaawberries!" as they went on their way. :(
 

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Bramblefind said:
Here's something a little like it -

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-brass-drivers-license-key-tag-fob-cassatt

1_dc26da4c11cb278264edc8e65d2dc920.jpg


A vintage brass 1937 driver's license key tag or fob from Cassatt, South Carolina. The front states that it expires June 30, 1941, the name and address of the driver and at the bottom South Carolina Drivers License. The reverse side contains the vital statistics of this person and at the bottom S. C. State Highway Dept Motor Vehicle Division. Measures about 2 1/4" long by just over 3/4" tall.

I have a South Carolina driver's license like your post that I found a few years ago. Mine expired in 1937.

a1.jpg
 

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White Feather, thanks for the history!! Didn't know there was a name for them. There were a couple in L. A. back in the early 50s. As kids we'd go see the guy & get a slice of watermelon for 3cents for a nickel you'd get a slice that was almost bigger than you were. They tried to get rid of him on the horse issue. He was gone for a short while, but he got over! He showed back up to his spot on the corner in a pickup truck that looked like Fred Sanfords full up with watermelons. Well, after another couple summers the city started writing him tickets for health code violations & trash. Seems watermelon juice where the kids sat on the curb & watermelon seeds(trash) were such a health problem blah blah. He moved on to other parts and along with him some of the best childhood memories and some of the best watermelon.
 

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Thanks for the information guys!
 

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