The Stork Club Enamel License Plate Topper/ Grill Badge

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Sz: 3 3/4"D w/ 1" attachment piece

The Stork Club Enamel License Plate Badge (often called a topper or grill … Read more Sz: 3 3/4"D w/ 1" attachment piece

The Stork Club Enamel License Plate Badge (often called a topper or grill badge) is a highly coveted piece of vintage automobilia from the famous 1930s–1950s Manhattan nightclub. Originally manufactured by Bastian Bros. Co., these badges were handed out to preferred VIP patrons by owner Sherman Billingsley to display on their cars to receive special privileges.

Stork Club was a nightclub in Manhattan, New York City. During its existence from 1929 to 1965, it became one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. A symbol of café society, the wealthy elite, including movie stars, celebrities, showgirls, and aristocrats all mixed in the VIP 'Cub' Room. The club was established on West 58th Street in 1929 by Sherman Billingsley, a former bootlegger from Enid, Oklahoma. After an incident when Billingsley was kidnapped and held for ransom by Mad Dog Coll, a rival of his mobster partners, he became the sole owner of the Stork Club. It remained at its original location until it was raided by Prohibition agents in 1931 after which it moved to East 51st Street. From 1934 until its closure in 1965, it was located at 3 East 53rd Street, just east of Fifth Avenue, when it became world-renowned with its celebrity clientele and luxury. Billingsley was known for his lavish gifts, which brought a steady stream of celebrities to the club and also ensured that those interested in the famous would have a reason to visit See less