holdmchmp Posted September 30, 2019 Share Posted September 30, 2019 I have an item you see here that I found metal detecting. I believe it to be an antique radiator cap from back in the day. Does this look familiar to anyone? Any information appreciated!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryB Posted September 30, 2019 Share Posted September 30, 2019 I think it would have had a top piece too that might have flipped open to add water. The missing top piece could have been for a temperature gauge called a Moto-Meter. Is the bottom threaded? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holdmchmp Posted September 30, 2019 Author Share Posted September 30, 2019 Thanks for the response Terry. There appears to be no threads on the inside. But there does appear to be too brackets that look like it might have held what you said a temperature gauge. I looked online for a few hours and didn't find anything that looked like it. So I'm wondering how early it is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted September 30, 2019 Share Posted September 30, 2019 Looks like a decoration piece from a flag pole or house light. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holdmchmp Posted September 30, 2019 Author Share Posted September 30, 2019 Bob it looks like it was hinged and that is why I believe it was a radiator cap. The item is quite heavy and would assume it's about 2 lb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted September 30, 2019 Share Posted September 30, 2019 (edited) Definitely an aftermarket, flip-top radiator cap for a 1920s vehicle. Parts are missing. Here is a similar item with all of the parts attached....the round item is a Moto-Meter and will show a rise in temperature through the little hole like a thermometer.... Edited September 30, 2019 by keiser31 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryB Posted September 30, 2019 Share Posted September 30, 2019 Similar to this on eBay is what I was thinking. Not having threads in the base is the confusing part of the ID process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holdmchmp Posted September 30, 2019 Author Share Posted September 30, 2019 Thanks for the response. Agreed parts are missing. What makes you say after market? How can you tell? Thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted September 30, 2019 Share Posted September 30, 2019 (edited) 2 minutes ago, holdmchmp said: Thanks for the response. Agreed parts are missing. What makes you say after market? How can you tell? Thanks!! Aftermarket as it has no auto maker name on it. I collect these and have seen a lot of them to know it is one that was sold as an accessory. Not a car maker, factory part. Edited September 30, 2019 by keiser31 (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holdmchmp Posted September 30, 2019 Author Share Posted September 30, 2019 Ah ok. My son thought there may have been a badge that was there at ome time. Are these of any worth? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted September 30, 2019 Share Posted September 30, 2019 The item I posted has a badge. Some just had initials for the owner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryB Posted September 30, 2019 Share Posted September 30, 2019 2 minutes ago, holdmchmp said: Ah ok. My son thought there may have been a badge that was there at ome time. Are these of any worth? In that condition, it’s good for the story on how you found it and to put it on a shelf. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holdmchmp Posted September 30, 2019 Author Share Posted September 30, 2019 Unfortunately I have a lot of those LOL. That's what makes metal detecting so intriguing. It's a story of where and when I found it and the research to provide the information. And that's why I'm here thanks for all your input much appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted September 30, 2019 Share Posted September 30, 2019 3 hours ago, keiser31 said: The item I posted has a badge. Some just had initials for the owner. Just happen to have this one. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne sheldon Posted September 30, 2019 Share Posted September 30, 2019 Some of those after-market caps had a simple way to fit and attach an adapter to work on any of several different makes of cars. Threading could be either internal or external, and thread count and diameter varied from marque to marque. A top piece and latch catch could be made, but costly enough to make this not expensive value wise. Wing size and styles varied, many dozens of different styles were marketed back in the day. That is a nice style! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holdmchmp Posted September 30, 2019 Author Share Posted September 30, 2019 Thank you for your response!! I kinda figured there would be a plethora of these things back in the day. There are no nidentifying marks anywhere so who knows. And I agree with you it's a cool style. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now