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Amature Radio, or HAM radio operators would help during Civil Defence or other emergencies. Thus as a public service, a licensed HAM operator can obtain at no-cost a special license plate. The plates feature the persons call letters. A lightning bolt was added in 1957 between the letters and numbers.
Above: A nice example of a 50-56 reflective base. The W1 designated the class and location. Thus CT, is always #1. The final letters were your call letters. Any Ham operator could identify a fellow Radio operator by his plate numbers.
(eBay photo) 
Above & Below: 1957 Base has a large lightning bolt used. (eBay photo) 
Above: Note how the word "CONNECTICUT" is pushed more to the left than the 57 issued bases. Also, the lightning bolt is smaller to accomodate the lettering. The decal is a 75, but more likely an early 70's issue. (eBay photo) 
Above: This rare "Polyvend" base has its own unique lightning bolt. These were issued from mid-74 till mid-76. (D.Kuehn collection) 
Above: 1978 decal on a 76 base. "Constitution State" added on the blue base plates in 76. 
Above: 1987-99 Base plate. 
Above: Year 2000 Base plate 
Above: New HAM plate on a "LIS" base. (GL collection) |
