Posted 8 years ago
mikelv85
(1232 items)
I had been watching this beautiful cap for about a month at Volunteer's of America. Counting down the weeks as they reduced the price. There was no way on earth that I could afford it at it's four hundred dollar price tag. Finally this morning it dropped to the 75% off category. My heart was racing as I pulled into the parking lot expecting to see my competition already at the door...but there was no one ! Just me... at two minutes to opening. I walked to the case and hoped it was still there after the weekend. It had been 50% off all last week and yet there it was still in the case. I loved seeing the minus three hundred dollar discount pop up on the register. My poor debt card even at the new price but it's a real gem and I had to have it. It's in wonderful condition compared to some I've seen online. The metal still shines in spots especially the figure. Many do not retain their bases with just the top mascot portion remaining. This one is hinged and opens to a rather rusty used interior but that original wear is common to this type of pot metal. The threading on the cap just gets eaten away by the radiator fluid and rust. The mascot is a beautiful art deco figure by engineer and lead designer William Schnell of Detroit know as a "Winged Viking". Usually the wings get broken off as this type of metal is very brittle zinc. You don't want to drop it believe me. This particular cap was used by Chevrolet on a few different models from 1929 thru 1931. It's marked "Stant Mfg. Connersville IND." along with "Pats. Pend" on the inside of the mascot's base. I'm thrilled that I was able to score this at a more than reasonable price. Probably my 1# find for this year ! -Mike-
Soooo glad you got it for that price!
Thanks Bonnie...I usually don't have this kind of luck playing the waiting game, but lately it seems to be working out. :)
VOA thought they were going to get big bucks off a donated item...but helaas, it was not to be...
Definitely a great deal so glad you got it mike
Thanks Roy :)
Thanks Caper :)
Mike I am so happy for you, I am even more happy them I found myself, this was met to be in your collection, an a bonus 75% off, WOW, 2 minute before they open LOL, lucky I was not in this neighborhoods, for those special, i am at the doors hours before they open, double lucky I am far from your place, LOL
Regards
Alan
Thanks Alan....yes if it's meant to be is how I feel too but that's not to say I wouldn't have been very disappointed if I hadn't...lol :)
What a score Mike! Really love it!
Nice aquisition on this American cap, if its marked under base of cap you did well. Otherwise you have to watch as they are much reproduced. Have not checked my books lately on this one.
Thanks Pops...I'm like a kid on Christmas morning with this one...lol :)
Thanks so much Phil . I had hoped you would see my post. This is my first cap so it's not quite a collection yet. Yes, it is marked on the inside when you open the hinged top, just like one I found online. It says Stant MFG. Connersville IN. and has the Patent marks as well. I know Arrow makes the reproductions and even they cost a pretty penny. That was my concern when I first saw this but I had plenty of time to research it and look at it before I bought it. I'm surprised it remained in such good condition and survived the thrift store production room handling unscathed. :)
That is a great cap.
Thank you Fort....it's the perfect start to a new collection. :)
Your stellar find, Mike!!
Thanks Bonnie...now as with all things to keep or not to keep....I guess it will stay with me for a while. :)
I'm not in it,I'm afraid,but I love reading about your "hunting" adventures .
Thanks Ivonne...the "hunt" is the best part ! :)
Great score, beautiful mascot! You deserve it
:-D
Thanks Kyra...I don't know about deserving it but, I'll sure have to tighten my belt till next payday. lol :)
The pleasure will remain long after the belt tightening. Glad you got it!
very nice!!
Yes, it's the hunt,....... always the hunt....... And then the next hunt....... GREAT FIND, Mike
Thanks Sklo..Sean...Olebodie...and Nevada for all the "loves" and the nice comments :)
I've seen some fantastic hood ornaments from back in the day, but I never knew radiator caps were so beautifully made also! Congrats Mike!
I'm with Rick. Patience rewarded Mike.
Thanks so much Rick and Karen....after seeing Phil's beautiful collection on CW over the years I never dreamed I'd find even one of my own, let alone in the thrift stores I shop at. I've missed out on a lot of great items due to timing and lack of funds but this more than makes up for it. I feel fortunate indeed. Guess nothings impossible. :)
Great find! Persistence pays off!
hi Mike, I also have a page scan from one of my books which shows the patent application drawings, but you may have that online, I am not sure.
I'd love to see that Phil. I haven't come across much information about William Schnell online either.
Will send to you, thought I saw your email somewhere, will look.
CONGRATS to you!!! Omg I could not have done that, wait I mean. How freakin' cool, you have got strength my friend! LOL I bet you are STILL shaking!!! lol
How exciting, I'm glad I got to see this and that you claimed your victory! It's awesome. I would have it sitting right in front of me on my desk. Great job!
Thanks so much Share for your "love" and compliment. It sits on the piano across from my desk. It's almost never out of my sight...lol :)
Love this and the story so much. Makes my heart happy for you. Congrats for waiting it out and the big score. :)
Thanks for the "love" and comment OGF...yes for once it didn't back-fire as the waiting game so often does. It's usually "You snooze you loose"....lol :)
Loving again! ;)
haha like, move your feet, loose your seat! (just read other comments)
Glad you got this treasure Mike !!~
Thanks once again everyone for the nice comments. It still has pride of place on my desk. :)
Beautiful piece! Definitely a great score :)
Thanks so much buckethead...you have wonderful items as well ! :)
Still one of my favorites :)
Super Nice!!
Thanks Falcon61 for the"love" and comment. Just noticed this :)
PS I still have it too after 7 years:)
Thanks for the"loves" dav2no1 and yougottahavestuff :)
Thanks to all over the years that gave this a "love" Wow 70 is the most I've seen !