Well I know they were doing it as far back as the 50s because I have some of them. Don't know how much earlier though.

Thanks seil, I figured with the lack of response nobody either knew or it was a simple answer. The earliest I have been able to confirm was post WWII.

SCG

Regarding from the 30s, If they are/were in the soil, I would expect that they will have disappeared due to corrosion

Well, I've been watching because it's an interesting question. When I read it I had a 'slap-in-the-face' moment of: "yeah, when DID they start using those tags & how long DO they last?"

Oldest legible ones I've personally found went back only 30 years or so.

Some of my volunteers during the work day at Hollywood Cemetery last March found a metal tag on a rose that was choked with brush and weeds It was 'Heritage'. The cemetery grounds supervisor remembers that the rose was planted in either 1991 or 1992. The tag wasn't in the ground, though. It was buried in weeds and brush, but it has been subjected to all sorts of weather for the last 21 years.

Interesting point Henry, I totally overlooked that. While many could have deteriorated away it would be interesting to know as we have found much older, and somewhat similar, items in the ground.

With the owners permission *chuckle* I dug around both roses at the house this post was intended for and got nothing but a bunch of stabs from thorns...these bushes should be classified as weapons! The smell from these bushes, which have not been in bloom for 2 - 4 months, is amazing. Can't wait till late winter to get some cuttings.

Thanks for the info folks.