Lubricant cans
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Lubricant cans
Hi,
Does anyone have any pictures of the types of cans the military used for lubing axles, transmissions, etc during WWII?
I'm looking for something period correct I can keep some gear oil or motor oil in when I'm at a show or reenactment. Any pictures would be appreciated. Thanks!
Does anyone have any pictures of the types of cans the military used for lubing axles, transmissions, etc during WWII?
I'm looking for something period correct I can keep some gear oil or motor oil in when I'm at a show or reenactment. Any pictures would be appreciated. Thanks!
1944 Willys MB
- Chance
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Re: Lubricant cans
Giving this a bump. I'm looking for the same thing. Any pictures of gear oil, engine oil cans and containers. Most preferably with markings\stenciling.
Chance
1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488
1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488
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Re: Lubricant cans
I have just run across your request for information about WWII lubricant cans, while I was searching for forum for the same information. I have not been successful with my search. The only tidbit that I can add to the discussion is that I do have a WWII standard 5 gallon Jerry can that is marked at the bottom with S.A.E. 30 about 1-1/2" tall in white letters. I'm unable to attach the photo (mainly due to operator error). If you'd like to see it, email me at Industele@aol.com
In the same vein, I have decided to make a purely DUMMY 1 Gallon Oil Can - using currently produced one gallon cans commonly used for paint thinners. I had 10 of them lying around and primed and painted them olive drab. Had a stencil cut (1/2" letters) saying
LUBRICANT,
OIL, ENGINE
SAE 30
I painted this (in white) on the face and on one side of the can. It "looks" pretty good and original. This is a complete fake, and is in no way a copy of any known original can, nor am I trying to represent it as an original can. But with the apparent complete absence of any firm information, IF they made 1 gallon oil cans during WWII for distribution, a can COULD have looked like this. I decided on white, because the Jerry Can was painted in white letters. I also think I read somewhere that the white was for information and yellow markings indicated explosive or dangerous material.
To make your own, get a rectangular gallon can with the metal lid. You'll have to remove the plastic security top, but you can do this by prying gently on the plastic while the lid is on the can, and the plastic will pop right off. Also, be aware that at least 1/2 of my cans actually had a large "sticker" on the front and back with the instructions and information about the contents. These labels can be removed easily by getting any corner pealed up a little and squirting a little WD-40 so that it moistens the label at the can. It will peal off cleanly and easily - just keep it lubed up with WD-40.
Again, I'm unable (or unknowing) to attache a photo of my cans, but I'll be glad to send you one if you contact me directly.
In the same vein, I have decided to make a purely DUMMY 1 Gallon Oil Can - using currently produced one gallon cans commonly used for paint thinners. I had 10 of them lying around and primed and painted them olive drab. Had a stencil cut (1/2" letters) saying
LUBRICANT,
OIL, ENGINE
SAE 30
I painted this (in white) on the face and on one side of the can. It "looks" pretty good and original. This is a complete fake, and is in no way a copy of any known original can, nor am I trying to represent it as an original can. But with the apparent complete absence of any firm information, IF they made 1 gallon oil cans during WWII for distribution, a can COULD have looked like this. I decided on white, because the Jerry Can was painted in white letters. I also think I read somewhere that the white was for information and yellow markings indicated explosive or dangerous material.
To make your own, get a rectangular gallon can with the metal lid. You'll have to remove the plastic security top, but you can do this by prying gently on the plastic while the lid is on the can, and the plastic will pop right off. Also, be aware that at least 1/2 of my cans actually had a large "sticker" on the front and back with the instructions and information about the contents. These labels can be removed easily by getting any corner pealed up a little and squirting a little WD-40 so that it moistens the label at the can. It will peal off cleanly and easily - just keep it lubed up with WD-40.
Again, I'm unable (or unknowing) to attache a photo of my cans, but I'll be glad to send you one if you contact me directly.
- Chance
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Re: Lubricant cans
Tom, thanks for the post!
Here is a very related thread with lots of great information. There are specifications for markings. I posted a kerosene can that I painted up as well.
viewtopic.php?f=48&t=279600&start=15
I think there are two methods for recreating what could have been originals.
One, as if it were delivered straight from the manufacturer to the War Department.
Two, as if a container were pressed into service. With this could also be "an attempt" to conform to the marking regulations as best as possible, or bare minimum. If that makes sense.
I've yet to find an oil can with original markings, by the way.
I have another 1 gallon can that I plan on painting out to hold gear oil. I'll send you an email for the pictures you have.
Here is a very related thread with lots of great information. There are specifications for markings. I posted a kerosene can that I painted up as well.
viewtopic.php?f=48&t=279600&start=15
I think there are two methods for recreating what could have been originals.
One, as if it were delivered straight from the manufacturer to the War Department.
Two, as if a container were pressed into service. With this could also be "an attempt" to conform to the marking regulations as best as possible, or bare minimum. If that makes sense.
I've yet to find an oil can with original markings, by the way.
I have another 1 gallon can that I plan on painting out to hold gear oil. I'll send you an email for the pictures you have.
Chance
1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488
1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488
- mudbox
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Re: Lubricant cans
Here's pic that shows a GI filling the oil in a Jeep using the 5 gallon fuel can. I don't see any markings on the can though.
The image description read:
Soldiers add engine oil to the jeep, from a jerry can, ETO, May 1945
Full size image is HERE.
-Jason
The image description read:
Soldiers add engine oil to the jeep, from a jerry can, ETO, May 1945
Full size image is HERE.
-Jason
- Chance
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Re: Lubricant cans
Jason what a great picture - thanks for posting. Makes me think that engine oil was shipped in much larger containers and the GIs simply broke it down into more manageable containers.
Chance
1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488
1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488
- mudbox
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Re: Lubricant cans
You're welcome.
I'm sure that oil was coming in bulk via 55gal drums. Was probably dispensed from that drum more often than not. But smaller quantities would have been parceled out in other types of containers.
Here's an image that someone has posted on SurfaceZero, which shows a stenciling label for 'Lubricant'.
Also marked 'Do not use for Aviation'
And here's another one I found online of a '44 dated British can marked OIL OC 600 which is oil for a gearbox.
Image was found on THIS site.
Looks like this container was filled with oil in Dec. of '52.
-Jason
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Re: Lubricant cans
Last edited by airborne-53 on Mon Aug 14, 2017 8:52 am, edited 1 time in total.
- Chance
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Re: Lubricant cans
Olivier -
This is terrific! Can you tell us what size the cans are? How many gallons or liters, etc?
This is terrific! Can you tell us what size the cans are? How many gallons or liters, etc?
Chance
1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488
1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488
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- Chance
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Re: Lubricant cans
These are Tom Campbell photos, re: earlier post in this thread:
Chance
1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488
1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488
- tipdog
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Re: Lubricant cans
The round can are 5 GALLONS capacity. The U.S. military still uses similar cans today. They're painted a light tan, with black lettering. Can't find exact pictures, but here are some examples showing the type of can.
- Chance
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Re: Lubricant cans
So probably an industrial 5 gallon would paint up nicely then. Great examples!!!
olivier - can you post pics of the shipping box? Pics of everything!!!
olivier - can you post pics of the shipping box? Pics of everything!!!
Chance
1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488
1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488
- Chance
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Re: Lubricant cans
Bump - any chance to get some pics of the shipping box would be great
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Chance
1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488
1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488
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