Markings on pre-1955 hubcaps

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Jan Kolm
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Markings on pre-1955 hubcaps

#1 Post by Jan Kolm »

Many years ago (36) I picked up a well-used hubcap from a well-known (and now long-deceased) 356 hoarder, who had a large stash of (at the time) mostly-worthless pre-A cars & parts. This hubcap was a filler until I could replace it with a $10 Taiwanese repro from PB Tweeks, with nicer chrome & fewer pits.

This hubcap has absolutely no markings in the usual places and is slightly lighter than an A/B Lemmerz hubcap and quite a bit lighter than the 1970s-80s Taiwanese repro. The biggest difference I see is that the outer lip has a wider radius than the Lemmerz and a much wider radius than the repro. This wide radius makes the hubcap appear to stand proud of the wheel.

As the chrome plating is in poor shape (typical of early-to-mid 1950s German chrome), I'm thinking this hubcap is original to a 1955 or earlier 356. The plating, where it is in good shape, has a mirror finish, which rules out it being a repro. It does not have the raised nubs of post-1954 VW hubcaps.

Am I correct in assuming pre-A hubcaps have no markings? If there were ink stamps on the inside, they're long gone.
Jan Kolm
356 Registry #1066
1960 1600N Coupe

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Phil Planck
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Re: Markings on pre-1955 hubcaps

#2 Post by Phil Planck »

Not a PreA hub cap expert, but this is one of the ones on my 55 coupe when I bought it in mid 1980s. Dated 4/54.
4-54 Lemerz.JPG
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James Davies
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Re: Markings on pre-1955 hubcaps

#3 Post by James Davies »

Sounds pre-A to me.

Phil, cool hubcap! That's the earliest datestamp on a Lemmerz I've seen.

Yeah, the 1951 through 1953 (maybe early 1954 too) hubcaps were a bit taller and had no markings on them. And yeah, the chrome is really crappy.

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James Davies
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Re: Markings on pre-1955 hubcaps

#4 Post by James Davies »

Here's photos showing the difference in height and the difference in the rolled edge compared to a late-50s Lemmerz. Thanks to Edwin S. and Rod E. for the help in the research on this, including the photos below. =)
Attachments
image-4.jpg
compare5.jpg

Jan Kolm
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Re: Markings on pre-1955 hubcaps

#5 Post by Jan Kolm »

Right now, I see three basic types of 356 moon hubcaps:
- The unmarked caps, used until early 1954, source unknown (VW apprentice shops?)
- Lemmerz 9916 (high profile), used for 1954-59 model years
- Lemmerz 9160 (low profile), used on 356Bs
Jan Kolm
356 Registry #1066
1960 1600N Coupe

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James Davies
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Re: Markings on pre-1955 hubcaps

#6 Post by James Davies »

I think that's pretty accurate Jan. I would add that some of the very early hubcaps in 1950 had an embossed ring round the peak, kinda like the VW ones, but without the VW logo embossed. Perhaps the supplier was the same for VW and these early rings?

Lemmerz did supply some chrome trim rings for the rim of the wheel for the early Porsches. Have seen period photos from 1951 and 1952 of cars with them.

Btw, I have a 3 of those pre-A baby moons and am looking for a 4th for my '53 coupe. ;-)

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