License plates endure a rough life, traveling thousands of miles bolted to a car, exposed to all kinds of weather, poor roads, and fender-benders. But like all antiques, their post-use lives can be just as damaging, whether they spend decades cast away in a damp basement or improperly cared for in a collection.

This 1936 Maine license plate is an example of poor storage practices taking their toll over the years, but is a rare case where (I believe) it ends up more interesting as a result.

All old items tell a story, and this one literally does, but it takes some squinting to decipher. At some point, and likely for quite a long time, this plate was part of a license plate collection where everything was stored wrapped in newspaper. Over the years, the newsprint stuck to the plate and left very clear remnants of print on the white numbers.

Blood, fight, answer….what other words are legible?

This license plate is not especially rare or valuable, so the patina/charm/character left behind is part of its appeal.

One other word makes this plate notable: “Vacationland.” 1936 was the first year this slogan appeared on Maine license plates, and it has remained there ever since, closing in on almost 90 years. That is truly a permanent imprint.