Lubricant cans

Manufacturers, production numbers, configurations, etc.
Rschiller3
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Lubricant cans

Post by Rschiller3 » Thu Apr 28, 2016 6:49 pm

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! :D
1944 Willys MB


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Chance
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Re: Lubricant cans

Post by Chance » Sun Dec 04, 2016 1:29 pm

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.
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1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488

Tom Campbell
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Re: Lubricant cans

Post by Tom Campbell » Mon Aug 07, 2017 6:47 pm

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.

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Chance
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Re: Lubricant cans

Post by Chance » Tue Aug 08, 2017 8:45 am

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.
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1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488

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Re: Lubricant cans

Post by mudbox » Mon Aug 14, 2017 5:40 am

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.

Image

-Jason

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Chance
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Re: Lubricant cans

Post by Chance » Mon Aug 14, 2017 5:48 am

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.
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1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488

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mudbox
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Re: Lubricant cans

Post by mudbox » Mon Aug 14, 2017 6:13 am

Chance wrote:
Mon Aug 14, 2017 5:48 am
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.
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'

Image

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.
Image

-Jason

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Re: Lubricant cans

Post by airborne-53 » Mon Aug 14, 2017 8:35 am

hello
oil can 1943 on right
on left usaaf model
Image

Image

Image

Image

olivier
Last edited by airborne-53 on Mon Aug 14, 2017 8:52 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Lubricant cans

Post by Chance » Mon Aug 14, 2017 8:41 am

Olivier -

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

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Re: Lubricant cans

Post by airborne-53 » Mon Aug 14, 2017 8:55 am

Chance wrote:
Mon Aug 14, 2017 8:41 am
Olivier -

This is terrific! Can you tell us what size the cans are? How many gallons or liters, etc?
hello
ad some others pics , quantity 5 gallons , all dated on bottom
OE exist also in small can , have also shipping wood box
Image

olivier

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Chance
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Re: Lubricant cans

Post by Chance » Wed Aug 16, 2017 6:16 am

These are Tom Campbell photos, re: earlier post in this thread:

Image
Image
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1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488

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tipdog
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Re: Lubricant cans

Post by tipdog » Fri Aug 18, 2017 2:35 pm

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.
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

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Chance
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Re: Lubricant cans

Post by Chance » Fri Aug 18, 2017 2:42 pm

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!!!😁
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1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488

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Re: Lubricant cans

Post by Chance » Sat Sep 02, 2017 7:11 am

Bump - any chance to get some pics of the shipping box would be great


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1943 - January | Willys MB "Skimpy" | Frame No. #203301
1943 - January | Willys MB-T | Serial No. 21488

airborne-53
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Re: Lubricant cans

Post by airborne-53 » Sat Sep 02, 2017 7:41 am

Chance wrote:
Sat Sep 02, 2017 7:11 am
Bump - any chance to get some pics of the shipping box would be great


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
hello
pics of wood crate for small can
Image

Image

olivier


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