Illinois Pre - State License Plate Extremely Rare Early 1900’s

Hello. Up for bid is an extremely rare Illinois Pre-State issue license plate. It is in original untouched condition. Serious collectors know how rare it is that a plate like this comes up for sale. As you can see in the pictures, one of the mounting hooks fell off and is missing some time in the last 112 years. It is a beautiful plate. Please look at pictures for condition and ask any questions you might have. I’m glad to answer as much as I know. What I’ve learned is that in 1907..., ILLINOIS passed a law that mandated every vehicle have a registration number. The mandate began on July 1, 1907 so my best guess is that this low registration number dates it to mid to late 1907. However, someone wrote 1903 and 1909 on the back as you can see in the pictures. If you look closely, someone also wrote 1903 in pencil under that green marker ink. The state did not start issuing plates until 1911. I know this plate will go into a great collection. As soon as I get at least 1 bid on it, it will sell via this auction. I do not remove auctions if there is a bid. Please note: if you have less than 25 purchases on eBay (the number next to your user name) please contact me before bidding. I was scammed by a new customer so I have to be very careful who I sell to. Also, if you have many negative feedback ratings, please contact me before bidding. I ship very quickly and I will over pack this plate as it is completely irreplaceable so I don’t want it to get damaged during shipping. Please don’t be mad if there’s a lot of unpacking you have to do. I’ll make it as easy as possible for you but again, I don’t want this damaged. I expect a lot of interest in this plate but I will respond to your questions as soon as possible. I have 100% positive feedback so bid with confidence. If you’re interested, bid often to win this rare plate!! Good Luck, Have a great day, and thanks for looking.On Nov-15-19 at 16:48:30 PST, seller added the following information:Update 11/15/19: I received a message from another ebayer (thank you!!) who found the original owners information. Looks like it was originally on a 1909 White. White Co made steam cars at this time. Also, looks like it was issued on July 5, 1909. Makes sense due to the 1909 markings on the back of the plate as seen in pictures. I was told the plate was originally registered to: Robert M. Cutting132 S. Waller AveAustin Sta.Chicago, IllWhite Co.Issued:7/5/09On Nov-15-19 at 17:53:28 PST, seller added the following information:I just learned the original owner of this license plate was the lawyer for the White Steemer Automobile Company. this plate has historical significance because it belonged to Robert Myron Cutting. I just found this article on google from the Chicago Legal News in 1909. It’s announcing his wedding and also says he actually worked for the White Steemer Automobile Company! I pasted a link below but if it doesn’t work you can google “Robert Myron Cutting 1909” and the top article should be from the Chicago Legal News. The article also states that him and his wife will be out of town on their honeymoon “down south via automobile” from November until February. I will post updates about him as I get them. I also read that later in life he was the founder and owner of the R.M. Cutting Truck Company in Chicago, IL. Please contact me if link does not work or you need more info.

https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Chicago_Legal_News.html?id=nko0AQAAMAAJ

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