Abstract: A dashpot is disclosed which can exhibit either push or pull damping depending upon the orientation of the valve members thereof. The dashpot includes a cylinder, a piston sealingly slidable within the cylinder and a piston rod operatively connected to the piston to move same. The piston is provided with a fluid flow channel which extends therethrough. A first valve member is operatively connected to the piston rod for movement therewith. A second valve member is mounted on said piston and has a fluid passage which communicates with the fluid flow channel of the piston. The first valve member is received within the second valve member in either a first or a second orientation relative thereto, thereby defining the direction of the damping force. The first and second valve members have parts which are operative, when force is applied to the piston rod in one axial direction or the other, to close or open the fluid passage respectively.