Last Updated: 13 June 2006

Steven Gaj

APLCA 4126

Thanks for visiting my collection page. I started collecting license plates as a teenager back in 1972. Back then, the goal was to find a good plate from each state. After a short while, I was able to accomplish this task and moved on to collecting state runs from the local states around Massachusetts. I pretty much completed runs from MA, NH, VT and ME and then moved away to join the military. After a long hibernation from colleting, I got back the collecting bug and refocused collecting only porcelain plates (Took less area to display and are somewhat unique). I already had a fair number of porcelains from the New England states and have expanded into the other states. Ultimately, I would like to get at least one plate from each state that had a porcelain plate. With the prohibitive cost of some of these plates, I realize that this may not be possible, but I will try to get as many as fiscally possible.

Collecting is a hobby for me and not a business. I make my living as a lead engineer on the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (THAAD), which is a medium range anti-ballistic missile system. To this end, I generally like to trade plates or signs to get the plates that fit into the collection. Many of these signs I have had for quite a while and they in themselves are interesting and unique. I will though, buy plates that are reasonably priced or smaller collections of porcelains, if they contain something I could use.

If you do have some porcelains for sale, you can always send a picture along of what you have and the asking price.

Here are some interesting snapshots of my collection along with other “plate collecting story” treasure finds. I am sure you will find them enjoyable. If you have a question or story, just email mail. EMAIL

Picture	Story
	“The Wall” is in my computer room. I roughly have 80-90 plates displayed. They are somewhat grouped together by state, although not entirely. I have about 5 other plates hanging in my office at work. (This usually brings the question, what are those?!) I am trying to acquire a good example of a MA “X” visitor plate, to show the contrast between the various types (Preferably a 14, but any would probably do).
	The corner section of my plate wall. I am interested in plates that contrast in size as the amount of numbers decrease. (i.e. the ME 14’s on the top). Many of the MA plates have this same characteristic, as the MA 11, 3 digit shows. (Previous picture) The bottom plate is an AL 12 and the MA 15 is a motorcycle plate.
	The top section of the plate wall showing a selection fo PA, NH and VT plates.
	The far left section of the wall, showing a nice collection of MICH plates, plus a few replica plates I use in my evangelistic testimony.
	The middle section of the wall showing a MD 14 pair and a nice MA 16 tin.
	Here is a section of my wall of porcelain pairs. Notice the two pairs of Maine Dealer plates with the identical number! The pair of VT 15’s (5 digit) are the highest surviving pair I have seen.
	Yes, It has spread to the garage as well. I am currently putting up cabinets in the garage, so with this blank wall staring at me… Well, you get the picture. I generally put the traders in the garage, but also I am putting my nice pairs there as well. The large shell sign is from an oil rig (oil pump). The “B” 1913 plates are about the nicest set of commercials I have seen.
	Here is a bunch of VT 15s Temp Plates that were found in an antique shop in VT. The way the story goes, twice this number of plates where left at the antique shop! If only I could walk into a AL antique shop and find a wall of 1912 Alabama’s! (Of course to complete this fantasy, they would all be priced for $25 each).
	My ALA porcelain run (12-15, Unissued EX, single digit #1, in pairs) (Audra Lee, my daughter, 5 years old)