Radiator Cap, circa 1925
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Artifact Overview
In the early 20th century, aftermarket manufacturers produced automobile hood ornaments and radiator caps in any number of designs. Some were decidedly more practical than decorative. This radiator cap included a lock and key -- to prevent a vandal from stealing the cap or tampering with the engine coolant.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Radiator cap
Date Made
circa 1925
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
81.99.88
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Metal
Dimensions
Height: 1.5 in
Width: 8 in
Depth: 3.5 in
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Related Content
SetMotor Mascots
- 18 Artifacts
Hood ornaments -- formally called mascots -- are among the most prominent decorative elements on an automobile's exterior. Manufacturers designed mascots that communicated speed, power, or prestige. Some motorists replaced factory ornaments with aftermarket pieces that conveyed wealth and taste. More practical drivers capped their radiators with functional motometers to measure engine temperature. In any form, mascots made a statement.