Looks like a long thimble

sky1950 · Oct 12, 2012

Hi everyone - I found this today and I know it's something but I don't know what. It's length is 2" and the inside diameter on the side that is open is 1/2 ". It has some writing stamped on one side and I'm trying to clean it better to read it. All I can make out is M and down further USA. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

TheCannonballGuy · Oct 12, 2012

Although its appearance is similar to a lipstick-tube... if there's screw-on threading inside the object's mouth, it could be an antique car tire valve-stem cover.

Here a photo of several varities of that type of relic.

sky1950 · Oct 12, 2012

It does look like it could be one of those, but it doesn't have any threads on the inside of the opening. Thanks. Ken

TheCannonballGuy · Oct 12, 2012

With no threading on the inside of the mouth, I would have to lean toward it beig a lipstick-tube's cover. However, the name-marking on its side could lead us to a more definite ID. If you have any success at deciphering the rest of the marking, please tell us what it says.

sky1950 · Oct 13, 2012

Looks like you have a good eye. I was able to make out what looked like Michelin and USA. I see some for sale on eBay and apparently the one I found is missing the bottom piece which would allow you to screw it on to the valve. Thanks for your help.