Vintage Schrader Tire Gauge – “Schrader Universal”, A. Schrader’s Son Inc.,

We have not cleaned or refurbished this item in any way, as we leave that decision up to the eventual buyer. We test used items before we list and before we ship to make sure you are getting a high quality and functional tool. Sold with the Tucson Tool Shop 30 Day guarantee! Please check our thousands of positive reviews. We are a brick and mortar store located in Tucson, AZ continuing the legacy of a business that has been around since 1978. We strive to keep all of our customers happy. Customer service is job #1. If you have any questions about this or any item we have listed please do not hesitate to contact us!

Most purchases ship out the same day as long as it is before 2pm AZ time or before the postal service does its pick up for the day. NO shipments go out on Sunday.

This is a classic early-to-mid 20th century tire pressure gauge manufactured by A. Schrader’s Son Inc. (Brooklyn, NY). The “Schrader Universal” marking and patent dates (e.g., July 6 1909, Mar 28 1916, Feb 14 1922) appear on many of these gauges. 

These gauges were used for automotive / balloon tire inflation, and today are sought after by collectors of automobilia, garage-tool memorabilia, and vintage auto accessories.

Condition & Features:

• Original metal body (chrome or nickel-plated) with visible “Schrader” marking and patent dates (you’ll want to mention exactly what you see: e.g., “Pat. July 6 1909 – Mar 28 1916 – Feb 14 1922” or whatever your piece shows).

• Original box (as shown in your photos) with “Schrader” branding visible on the prefabricated box label. That’s a nice plus.

• Overall condition: mention any wear, dents, pitting, corrosion, patina, whether it still appears to hold pressure (if you tested), whether the fonts and markings are clear, whether the box is intact.

• Mention the approximate size (you say in your photo it’s maybe ~ 3-4″ long? Provide exact measurement).

• If the gauge still appears functional (i.e., when connected to a valve it reads pressure), mention “tested but sold as tooling / display piece” or “sold as is – we make no functional guarantee”.

Historical / collector’s note:

• The Schrader valve company (founded by August Schrader) is well-known for the Schrader valve (used on auto & bicycle tires) and early tire pressure gauge tooling. 

• Early gauges marked “Schrader-Universal” with the 1909, 1916, 1922 patent dates are particularly desirable to collectors. 

• Similar items in good condition with original box/case are often listed in the USD $20‐60 range (depending on condition, rarity, box presence). Some rarer ones (advertising versions, very early brass models) go higher. 

Why this is special:

• The presence of the original box with “Schrader” labeling increases appeal.

• If your gauge has clean, legible markings and minimal damage, that’s an advantage.

• It works as both a functional tool and vintage display piece for automotive enthusiasts, man-caves, museums, tool cabinets, etc.