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Boyce Motometer
Long Island City, NY, USA
Filed under:
History | Type-Emblems
Comment(s): 46
The Boyce Moto-Meter, patented in 1912, was a thermometer that read the temperature of the radiator's vapor.
Before the hood ornament came the motometer, an ornate thermometer affair that screwed into the radiator cap; it was intended to keep the driver informed of the engine coolant temperature.
With improved, thermostatic cooling, the motometer went out the window in the late twenties, to be replaced by sometimes very elegant hood mascots. These were offered initially by accessory houses then, in 1930, by Cadillac itself. The first automotive motometer was introduced by a Mr. Boyce in 1912. The fashion soon caught on. Cadillac added its famous script and coat of arms to it. When the temperature gauge was moved to the instrument panel, an empty space was left atop the radiator; the hood ornament filled it adequately.
(text source: Car-Nection)
Boyce Motometer, front and back. (source: Brass Works.)
Boyce Motometer.
Boyce Motometer Junior.
Boyce Motometer detail.
Boyce Motometer from a 1929 Model A Ford Deluxe Town Sedan. (source: John Nichols)
Boyce Motometer from a 1929 Model A Ford Deluxe Town Sedan. (source: John Nichols)
Boyce Motometer logo.
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Do you have a sourse for boyce moto meter parts ?
Thanks, Art Shoffner
Moto Meter Parts below .
http://www.restorationstuff.com/RSC26.pdf
I have just came across an original Boyce moto meter. Where can i get any information on its value/year of production Thanks Dennis Foran
With the excellent reproduction pieces available, the cost of a typical motormeter isn't too terribly high. Having said that, some of the more unique fancy senior models (3-3/8") o.d. with original marque inserts can be more valuable. I'm interested in a senior original nickle plate (not brass). Tell me more what you've found. gsteve@hammatt.com
Thanks.
Steve
I hae a rather large Motometer. it has a pair of Verticle wings with large turned up feathers on the ends.
It is marked Motometer Company of Canada Hamilton Ontario,
Other than some easily cleanable oxidatioin, appears to be in great shape. The sensor and the cork gasket are complete. The outside of the dial assembly is 2 5/8 inches and the wingspread is 6 1/2 inches
Do you have any idea of what I could sell this for/
Your help would be appreciated.
Thanks Chaz.
I have an motometer also, havent been able to place the make of car that it was installed on. It is sliver, the top is hinged from the screw cap. The "side bars" have a round glass incert of a union pacfic railroad emblem. On the back of the top round peice is the word "standard". On the front the regular stuff as far as reading the temp. At the very bottom is; Patented Mar. 17-18, Aug. 13-18. Any thoughts would help. Thanks, Terry
Steve the O/D on the moto meter i have is 2 7/8 " , on the front its says Chevrolet but below the gold wings it has My great grandfather's name, i have not been able to find out if this was a common practice, any ideas where i could find out that information.... as for the other gentlemen sorry guys Steve seems to have the most knowledge Thanks Dennis
I have a Boyce Motometer with a heavy brass screw on base that has a large "R" on a shield shape locking catch. The locking catch keeps the motometer unright and when flipped open the motometer is tilted back to allow water to be pored in to the raditor. The base is dog bone shape with a glass shiftknob at the end. The motometer has a screw cap with a light bulb under.
What does the "R" stand for and what is it value??
Thanks, Dave
I found a Boyce Moto Meter that is 2 3/16 inches. I checked for replacement parts,like gaskets,and new glass,but they listed only Junior and senior models. Mine says on it it's a Midjet model. Any info where I may get parts?
I have a Boyce "Standard" with the ornate front. It looks something broke off the front, was it an angel? or Ram head? I believe that this is a radiator gage. I think it is brass under the tarnish. Can anyone know the value of this item? or where I can find more information?
I have a Boyce MotoMeter Junior hood ornament.I would like to get a value on this item. It is silver with a wreath around it. Any help would be appreciated.
How do you actually read the temperature on one of these?
I have a thermommeter thats says piecre arrow on it. I would like to find out the year +model it is from. Can you help me. Thank You,Bill .
I Have a motometer its got on it the MG symble with the hexagon round the MG then it has written Commonwealth classic cars Fullerton, CA
Can someone tell me if this is worth anything, I have held on to it for so many years and don't even know where it come from,
I think it must of been a few hand me downs
The origional Moto Meters in decent shape are much more valuable than the new reproduction one's. You can easily tell the new from the old by, (Old ones) the stem on the bottom is nickle plated, they always used red fluid in them, they were always nickel plated pot metal, never brass. The end of the stem also had a disk plug in it like the freeze plug on a car. The first 4 pictures above are repops.
The best way to tell what you have is go to eBay and enter motometer then try moto meter (with space) and you will soon get a very good idea what they are worth. The unusual name plate ones sometime bring a lot of money regardless of condition. Hope this helps.
This is the first time that I have seen this and I am quite impressed. Thanks for sharing these kinds of stuff.
The Motometer is a genius device for the car indeed... checking the temperature of the radiator's vapor is an important thing for the car and having such is really important for every car.
I have a motometer that is a cast metal with the letters FLT on the face. I found thic in about 60 feet of water on a old car! Would sure like to know what car this was from. Thanks
oh yeah, it's a genius device, i love it.
oh yeah, it's a genius device, i love it.
ohhhhhhh.
While attempting to clear out this old garage I came across something I had never seen before: a "Boyce Moto Mete"r for a "Jordan?" At least that's the name on the face plate, beneath which is an image of a red arrow pointing downward. The meter body is 2 15/16 wide X 5 3/16 long including the stem. It is not decorated, i.e., there is no "wreath" around the casing; and the meter itself is not present, i.e., there is no evidence of the "tube" that held the fluid. As one screw is missing I'm led to believe that the mechanic who operated this garage must have disassembled the meter at some point, maybe because the tube/meter was broken and then re-assembled it and tossed it on the floor where it then accumulated decades of dirt and grime. Both glass elements are intact albeit with a few light scratches and minor chips, on the back piece. What I assume to be the original gasket is still attached to the stem. Can anyone help me determine a value on this piece of automotive history or is anybody interested in purchasing it. I'm helping to liquidate an elderly gentleman's fathers estate. The father was the aforementioned mechanic and never thre anything away.
Boyce Moto-Meter
Patented, May 13-13: March 17-14; July 15-18; August 19-18
It is 12 inches wide and 6 inches high. It looks like it is nickel plated and has an "A'' on front of temp. gauge. Would appreciate any information as to value and history of this radiator cap.
Mr. Ron Osborne, if you are interested in selling your Jordan motometer, please, contact me by e-mail (somorgujo@gmail.com). Thank you very much.
I have a Boyce moto meter (patent dates1913-1914 ) to Fit Nash.
i ran across a boyce motometer as a decoration very dirty i dont want to polish it 4 patent dates from 1913 to 1918 says boyce motometer then standard i assume maybe its an aftermarket from back then i have no doubt that it is not a reproduction curious if there is a market for it and what its worth
irmajoe@yahoo.com
Several years ago, my father's uncle died. While cleaning out his garage, we found two Boyce Motometers stuck down between the wall joists.
The first on is obviously from a Buick. The front plate say, "Pacific Northwest" and has a mountin/forest scene (Gold writing on black background). It has a wreath around the edges. The base has a large screw type fitting. The glass seems to be in good shape.
The second says "Atterbury" across the name plate and a crest in the background that reads, "Motor Trucks of Maximum Value". Some research showed me that Atterbury Motor Car Co. was based out of Buffalo, New York. The started in 1911 and continued into the 30's.
I'm curious to know what they're worth. If anybody is interested or if these would go for a project you, or someone you know, is doing. Feel free to contact me. (mccracken@clearwire.net)
Thanks
How mach this is? (moto meter)
have moto meter with star symbol and star written on it will be for sale would like to know what it fits lee center ny
tomsfobs@twcny.rr.com email for above
I have a moto meter winged cap in perfect condition. it has the ford emblem and flips open. i dont know much about it, but would like to know what its worth or where i could find out. thanks
I have a moto-meter with oldsmobile emblem on it, I believe it is nickle plated and the patient is may,13-13 march,17-14 July,16-18 Aug,13-18, I have really no idea what I have, I found this in my dads stuff and am just curious as to what it might be worth and if anyone is ever interested in buying these. Its glass is beveled around edge and is in great shape, I would appreciate any info you could give me, thanks
I started collecting moto-meters back in 1957 . I have about 50 with a wide variety of car brands represented,most are mounted to winged/or bar caps. I would like to see this collection go to a museum that would display them. Contact me @
hotrodd220@aol.com I will forward photos and entertain offers
Do you know exactly the date when MOTOMETER was founded? I know it was 1912 but when exactly? Is there somebody or a company who can help me with this problem? Thanks for your help! MOTOMETER Fan from Germany
I also have a MOTO METER with the name NASH printed on the face
and Kenosha Wisconsin with the nash name. any one have an idea of where I can sell this unit. It works, I have tried it against my own temp guages.
i found in my dads basement a cool Cadillac motometer. From the 1912-17 era. The whole complete thing, its nice about 6 inches long and 3 1/2 wide with chain both glasses in tack. Shes a nice one.. Of course its made by boyce, its writing tiny not likesome of them you can read there name a mile away. Laterr
I have a Boyce Moto Meter Temperature Gauge - don't know how I came to have it, but have been carting it about from house to house for years. Have not attempted to clean it up at all -
it's 3 1/2 " wide; 5 1/2" long. Has a wreath around the thick beveled glass face on both front and back. Front has words "danger - steam" at top; then "Summer - Average"; back has the word "Standard" surrounded by ornate markings. No patent dates, just name/address of maker: "THE MOTOMETER CO INC,
L. I. CITY, N. Y., U. S. A. I can't seem to find this exact one in all the photos I've looked at on line. Anyone know anything about it?
Thanks!
I have a Ford Motometer with wings the wings span approx. 9 inches height approx. 4 inches Much the same as Mtgibsons . THE MOTOMETER CO INC. OF LONG ISLAND.N.Y. U.S.A. I am on the Gold Coast in Australia
and was wondering if anyone can give me any information on this.
Does anyone know any whereabouts in Australia that I can contact with this item and is it of value.
regards Paul
i have a 1924 motometer tire tester i curious to what it might be worth.
bob
i would say about $100
Paul Bray
if it is working (place in a mug and add hot water and see if red mercury rises up the tube) then probably $100 to $200
I have several cars with Boyce motometers and would like to find someone who makes custom marque inserts with the car logo printed on it. These are all junior meters. Looking for Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Oakland, Rollin. Thanks, Steve
have a boyce motormeter with the fireman emblem in it (AmericanLaFRANCE) FOUNDED 1845 ELMIRA N.Y. ANY INFO WOULD BE GREAT THANK YOU ROBERT
I have a Boyce motometer,universal model with turned up wings and patented dates on front. It has leaves embossed all around front and back. also temp. gages on back Summer and Average. From Long Island City, NY. USA. Any one that can tell me the value of this Model?
I have Boyce Motor Meter made especially for Ford Car and it is for sale. Thanks Ken.