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Editor Mark McCourt received an inquiry from reader Ric DiDonato, asking for our help in identifying this item which he saw posted on saablink.net.

From the original poster:

I was recently digging through an old barn, helping clean out an old milking parlor that has been a catch-all for a historical society for several decades. Anyway, I came across an interesting item which was labeled “Loomis Motorcar Co.” with a very little bit of research, I discovered Loomis made “horseless carriages” around the turn of the century (1890-1900). Anyway, it is an L-shaped pipe with a sort of valve inside, and I was wondering if anyone on here might be able to tell me exactly what it is, exactly how old it is, what it came off of, etc. Thanks for any help you may be able to provide!

bottom view

side view with valve handle on the bottom.

Besides the words Loomis Motor Company on the cover below the handle was inscribed Westfield, MA which is consistent with Loomis Car history. But here is the sticky part, Loomis only made one steam car (in 1896) before giving up the idea and manufacturing 4-cylinder gas cars starting in about 1900. Is it possible this valve is from that early prototype?

It is possible but we think we found what we think was a more likely explanation. Anyone care to offer their take on this one?

Bonus points if you know what else Loomis did that was ground-breaking in the automotive industry (other than designing his own carburetor for the Loomis 4-cylinder gas engine).

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