A
Keychain
is a small chain, usually made from metal or plastic, that connects a small item to a keyring. The length of a keychain allows an item to be used easier than if connected directly to a keyring. Some keychains allow one or both ends the ability to rotate, keeping the keychain from becoming twisted while the item is being used.
One of the Most Popular known keychains are the miniature license plates issued by the
Disabled American Veterans or DAV. Formed in 1920 and chartered by Congress in 1932, the million-member DAV is the official voice of America's service-connected disabled veterans. These miniature license plates were first issued by the DAV in the 1940's. These DAV tags were mailed out along with a request for a contribution to support disabled American Veterans. The DAV must have had connections with each states DMV because the miniature license plates matched not only the plate number of the owner's automobile by color and design as well..
If lost, instructions on the back of each miniature license plate asked the finder to deposit into any mailbox. The keys would then be returned to the DAV and they would then be returned to the registered owner.
Another type of key tag, key fob or identification are the pieces pictured below. Here is another example of if a key
chain was lost then found you could drop in any mail box and it would get back to the
rightful owner. This type of identification key tag date back to the early 1900's. These early pieces are very ornate and highly desireable. You can find these tags in eBays category
Keychains and
Tokens.
