This is an Authentic New Orleans Water Meter Cover custom painted in All Chrome by NewOrleansStreetArt. 100% metal sourced from the foundry. Each water meter cover is unique and may vary slightly from the one shown here.
History of order the New Orleans Water Meter Cover:
The New Orleans Water Meter and its iconic cover featuring the “Crescent Moon and Stars” was originally produced by the Ford Meter Box Company of Wabash, Indiana. Mr. Edwin Ford built the first Ford Meter Box in his basement in 1898, filed the patent for his meter box on December 20, 1911, and founded the Ford Meter Box Company shortly thereafter. Mr. Ford himself designed the cover during a sales visit to the city in 1921. The lid design as we know it today evolved from a quick drawing made on a borrowed drawing table at the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board. New Orleans was one of the company's oldest customers, and by 1924, nearly half of Ford Meter Box's sales were to the city of New Orleans.
Ensuing Popularity and Effect:
The New Orleans water meter cover has become an iconic symbol of pride for our city. As a popular symbol of our city, coveted by locals and visitors alike, the covers have become common targets for thieves. The Crescent Meter Cover gradually became rarer as they were coveted and then stolen by many people. Over time, due to the extensive and notorious theft of these beautiful lids, the New Orleans Water Board replaced these covers with plain ones, so that now it is quite a feat to find any of the original covers within the city. Over the decades, this practice has cost the city unimaginable sums in both replacement costs and tort liability for those suffering serious injuries after accidentally stepping in uncovered water meter holes. By purchasing here from a legitimate channel, you are helping to stop the practice of theft of city property.
These items are heavy and may have rough or sharp edges. Please secure this item safely and keep away from children, not a toy.
Product code: CarFlip on Claiborne - Custom Authentic New Orleans Water Meter order Cover