Offered in this lot are Vintage Yellowstone National Park License Plate Toppers, circa 1940s to 1960s. The first polychrome metal topper displays the image of a bear and two cubs standing on a grassy sub-alpine slope against a blue sky background on the left side of the sign with the text, "Yellowstone Park Wyoming" on the right side. Vibrant colours used are brown, green and blue against a white background, mounting slots are on the bottom corners. At the bottom left corner is the manufacturer's name, "Vernon Co. Newton, IA." The second metal topper displays the iconic image of Old Faithful Geyser erupting in white steam against the backdrop of green trees, brown coloured snowcapped mountains and blue sky. Text along the bottom reads, "Souvenir of Old Faithful Yellowstone National Park". Mounting slot at bottom left corner.

Known as "America's First National Park", most of Yellowstone Park sits in the state of Wyoming, with smaller portions in both Idaho and Montana.

Proudly advertising places visited on cars is a tradition that began with license plate toppers in the 1920s and 1930s. As many of America’s favorite destinations, national parks quickly became part of the trend. The peak popularity for license plate toppers was generally the 1930s through the 1950s. They were largely replaced by license plate frames after the 1950s.

The Vernon Company was established in 1902 in Newton, Iowa. The company made calendars, advertising glass mirrors, metal signs, and vinyl, plastic, and metal advertising specialties. Yellowstone National Park toppers marked for the Vernon Company would date after 1955. 

The first topper is in good overall condition with minimal paint loss. Exhibits scratches and light oxidation from normal use and handling. Second topper is in poor to fair overall condition, paint loss and scratches throughout. Respective measurements are 4.75"W x 10"L and 5.75"W x 6.25"L. Combined weight is 171.5 grams.