Newbie found Cadwell No 20 Vacuum Vent

dkopp

First I want to say as a newbie here, thank you all for the forums and advice- it’s eye opening to me, a new owner of a 1930s era home with steam heat. You are all awesome!

I have been checking and replacing vents on my radiators and every one of the 20+ is different, including several old WARCO ones. But I just found a Cadwell No 20 Steam Vacuum Vent on a radiator that doesn’t work. According to my Google “research,” a patent was filed in 1929. Unfortunately it didn’t last in one piece when I took it off, but I’d love to learn how old this might be! And happy to share a photo later along with the older old vents as I find (and replace) them. 

Steamhead

Might be original to the house. But the burning question is- does the radiator heat now?

dkopp

It sure does, thanks to a new Gorton vent. Things I learned on this forum!

dkopp

Oh, and also after replacing the main vents that were Dole #5s completely covered in paint and stuck. 

reggi

The burning second,  hmmm etc 😆 questions are what's heating the house now.. almost if not a Century after be built ?
20+ Radiators and assorted vents are probably from when the house was full and any discomfort was met by trying something different for that particular resident.. perhaps that is.. I'll take a stab in the dark and guess if it wasn't a business then you probably bought it off the original owners child... probably a daughter that was born and raised in that house and has recently passed and you acquired it ... or not ✒️