GSP shield with NJHA writing on back [first post ~ Hi!]

[chesko]

Hello all,

This is my first post here.  I'd like ot kick off with a question about a GSP shield I acquired a few years ago.  
It is 18" diameter, and has a dark green reflective finish. Written on the back in black grease pencil is the following text:

"Assist by: D. Louis Tonti
Exec Director
NJ Highway Auth.

From: J.A. Artale Tr. Engr.
NJ State Hiway Auth
Woodbridge, NJ 9/13/62

Request to Chas Fromherz
Attn April's office"

I wonder what the writing is about. Could this sign have been a prototype of some sort? It has two mounting holes, and appears to have been mounted on a post at some point.

These are the pictures I took with my lousy cell phone.  The good camera is temporarily out of service.  I did have better snaps a while ago, but left the files on a kaput hard drive.

[Alps]

Political favor, I'd say.

[chesko]

Political favor, I'd say.

Hmmm, I dunno.  What kind of favor comes with a GSP shield?  I wish I could remember whom I got this from so I could ask what they know of its history.  They had a LOT of signs from around the country, so I doubt they had any details on this particular one.  It is an interesting quirk though!