identification

[Wayne Mims]

What does a license plate holder look like, and where does it mound on 1912 commercial roadster and why a did they call it a commercial roadster was that Seat put on there just for looks? to be tooken off

[Rich P. Bingham]

To the best of my knowledge, a license plate mounting was not provided in 1912, some states didn't even register autos, or provide plates if they did. Period photos show an array of creative solutions for displaying plates, including accessory items that hung them behind the starting crank or in front of the radiator top tank. Many owners tacked them to the dash below the windshield. My personal favorite is the "free swinging" mount off the front axle.

I believe the "commercial roadster" designation was meant to encourage purchase of the body type by traveling salesmen. Most that were used that way ended up with a pickup bed or other arrangement for carrying goods and samples.

[George House]

Wayne, All Ford body styles of 1912 were furnished with a rear taillamp bracket bolted to the body (with 2 square nuts). I understand lamps might’ve been optional equipment. At this time Ford made no allowance for a license plate bracket. A few accessory manufacturers found a niche market here. One of which was the Neverout Company like the one in the picture. The vendors sell brass repops like this original forged piece. To mount it, your brass kerosene taillamp must be tooken off so the Neverout accy can slip over the vertical Ford bracket. This new bracket is held fast by a set screw. Now your Ford taillamp can be attached to the Neverout bracket similarly held with a set screw.

[Original Smith]

Ford did have a taillamp bracket in 1912. Regarding the Neverout bracket pictured above, I like the blade version, which is like what Ford furnished from the factory. The rest of the license plate part is the same as pictured above. Originals show up occasionally, and are usually $75-$100.