Pierce-Arrow Hubcap, 1908-1928

Summary

Early automobile wheels had a central hub with a greased wheel bearing. Hub caps kept grease in and dust out. As wheels evolved and hubcaps became functionally unnecessary, they remained important to both manufacturers -- who branded wheel covers with maker names or logos -- and consumers -- who identified with hubcaps as statements about their cars and themselves.

Early automobile wheels had a central hub with a greased wheel bearing. Hub caps kept grease in and dust out. As wheels evolved and hubcaps became functionally unnecessary, they remained important to both manufacturers -- who branded wheel covers with maker names or logos -- and consumers -- who identified with hubcaps as statements about their cars and themselves.

Artifact

Hubcap

Date Made

1908-1928

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

53.32.23

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Aluminum Goods Manufacturing Company.

Material

Aluminum (Metal)

Color

Silver (Color)
Black (Color)

Dimensions

Diameter: 3.5 in

Height: 1.875 in

Inscriptions

Center: PIERCE / relief of arrow / ARROW

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