old faucet probably circa 1950

I have torn into an old bathroom with a leaking tub faucet. I am a do it yourselfer that has not dealt with old plumbing. The shower valve has the "X" shaped faucet handles; however they do not have a screw to loosen and remove. Under the handles are cone shaped metal cap (thingys) that are against the shower wall. How do I get these apart to even start to fix the leak? Obviously, I do not know the make of the valve; however, was told the "remodel" was done in 1949. Can anyone tell me how to get this valve apart?

Not without a picture. There were MANY valves with "X"/cross handles back then. You have to remove the handles before those "thingies" can come off.

Thank you! I will get pictures.

Usually, there's either a cap that pops off (sometimes it will fight you, hard!) that reveils a screw, others have a set screw holding it to the shaft. Regardless, it may take a handle puller to release it from the shaft once loosened. 60-years is a long time to corrode the handle to the shaft.