Michael, let me set this straight once more, as if it would be necessary.
The definition Mystery cans has been used by a bunch of gee members, including Lutz, from the very beginning of this forum. Not sure if anyone could claim to be the inventor of this definition, and most likely it just was silently agreed upon.
It is understood that once the mystery is solved for good, the definition will be replaced with a more proper one.
So far a mystery can has been a can with the big X stampings on both sides, german kind of spout,two clams construction, and no nationality or date whatsoever. Some of those have features that suggest possible manufacture by Conco.
So, some of these might be American made mystery cans made by Conco.
The earliest WWII picture showing these cans has a 1942 date, so far.
One guy, Chuck Lutz, insists on calling these cans
American prototype cans, suggesting that they are the prototype of all subsequent U.S.five gallon cans.Go figure!
Quite a few members patiently tried to explain to him how this definition is flawed in many respects, and detrimental to information sharing .
He just insists in using it, regardless, showing how much he really cares for a common page for discussions.
He claims that using whatever definition he likes to is part of his freedom, etc. etc.
So far, the undeniable irritation and boredom generated by such a stubborn approach has not turned into unpolite or abrasive comments and reactions. Maybe this is the reason why no thread on the subject has been locked yet, and the moderation's only intervention was a short blue fonted reminder.
I know the audience can judge and gauge the
who is who and the
who does what on this forum and not only on this forum.