MTFCA Forum

Ever see a cap like this? I found it today in a box of caps at a friends place. History???

Sure have - have one just like it in my display case - it's vintage era & shown in a few of my aftermarket T parts catalogs.

RajoRacer wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 02, 2023 8:27 pm

"....it's vintage era & shown in a few of my aftermarket T parts catalogs."

Do you know what year (s)?
Pre '12?

Can't say I've seen one in that early of any of my catalogs - mostly mid-late teens into the late 20's.

It is probably one of the earlier after-market radiator caps? But even at that, not likely as early as 1912. Every one like that that I have seen was originally nickel plated, however poorly so and often the nickel is all but all gone. I would love to see a dated advertisement for something earlier, however I suspect those came about around the Great War or right after.
Wartime shortages began around 1915 pretty much curtailing manufacturing of accessories. After the war ended, hundreds of manufacturing companies were searching for markets and automotive accessories was a good one for many! The early 1920s was the heyday for automotive accessories as thousands of things hit the market in a few short years!

Similar one. 1916 available in solid polished brass or nickel plate extra!

Another catalog 1915

Where did you think Walt Disney got his inspiration from? He had one of these on his Model T.

I had one of these in my hands today too. I put it back..... could have had it for $20....

Thank you Dan T!

Wow ! Dan’s first ad said it was even “a live sundry”…??

George House wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 03, 2023 2:19 pm

Wow ! Dan’s first ad said it was even “a live sundry”…??

George, that adv. copy refers to the item to be purchased from this catalog of wholesale parts by various shops, garages, or supply stores. Sundry is a common term for misc. items, of lesser expense scattered about with other items for sale, so a live one is supposed to fly off the shelves!

Should I leave it alone or shine it up??? Thoughts please

Professor Fate wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 05, 2023 1:26 pm

Should I leave it alone or shine it up??? Thoughts please

If it goes on a shiny car, then shine it up. Otherwise, I'd let it be. It shows its "history", (i.e. doesn't look like a reproduction).

Professor Fate wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 05, 2023 1:26 pm

Should I leave it alone or shine it up??? Thoughts please

If your not going to use it now or going to sell it - let it be. Some buyer may want the current patina or if shinny hey can do that.
--
I have the one in the picture ad above , a Never Lost & a MotoMeter