Show your oiler cans

[PacificaVette]

The most recent date on the patents listed was 1928. That doesn't help much in establishing the manufacturing date, except that it is obviously after that.

 

[PacificaVette]

Stewart Warner/Alemite/DeVilbiss

Stewart Warner Alemite Spring Spray

This was sitting in the mud next to 2 vises I bought at a scrap yard. The yard owner said just take it. All I did was a quick wire brush with a soft wheel. As a check it still pumps air pressure if I block the outlet with my finger so I'm sure oil won't be a problem. It's even clean inside. Now to buy or make a tip.

I just found one of these almost identical to yours. The patent dates on the pump were granted in 1933 and 1934, and were assigned to the DeVilbiss Co. It appears in their old catalogs.

 

[davethorik]

Well thanks to today's purchase, I now have 11 oilers. I had 3 yesterday, lol.
Added a shot with existing 3. Qty 2 Eagle no. 33, and a Lidseen.

 

[Shehzada]

Is this more of a mister/sprayer! I too have a new one and haven’t yet filled it.

Sorry for the late reply. I still haven't filled it yet....[emoji18]

This is my 1st and only can that I purchased to make the famous homebrew penetrating oil.



Sent from my mobile device

 

[Ben Buck]

I posted this in the garage sale thread, but here's one I found at a flea in Georgia

 

[FMC1959]

I posted this in the garage sale thread, but here's one I found at a flea in Georgia

Very nice and different

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Very nice and different

Thanks for posting, Ben Buck. This is one of my favorite threads. It doesn't get much traffic, but there are some beauties on here. (I wish it was on the Vintage Board.)

I found a WWII oil can today at the flea market. These aren't super rare, but it's nice to find them with an intact blue stencil, and it's even nicer to find them half full of oil, which helps keep the rust out. The "LUB." in "LUB. OIL M.G." refers to Lubrication, as you no doubt know, and the "M.G." refers to Machine Gun. This was used by Browning .50 crews.

 

[Ben Buck]

Thanks all

Lugnz- that oiler is great ! Plus knowing WW2 issue

 

[2oolhound]

PacificaVette - Nice find on the "Swing Spout"! It looks to be in really nice condition. I'd be tempted to sterilize it and use it for cream or milk on the kitchen table.

Good grab on the Spring Spray too. Let us know if they are misters or oilers guys.

davethorik nice addition to the family! I like those flared bottom Eagles. The one on the left looks like it fits in some kind of holder with the flare in the middle like that. That would be real handy.

and Ben Buck, WOW, that Globe Master is beautiful! I don't recall seeing anything with the ornate impressions on them like that and the copper tops it off really nicely.

I'd be tempted to polish that one up but that's just me. I know there are many others on this forum who wouldn't touch that patina garnered from years of use.

At any rate that oiler is worthy of the prestigious​

GOLDEN PANCAKE AWARD!​

Congratulations on your find! and if you decide to buff it up, sterilize it and fill it with maple syrup for those pancake breakfasts, I'm with you on that one.

and the "M.G." refers to Machine Gun.

OK, OK, say no more! How do you do it LUG? You consistently come up with these incredible finds. Not only are your photos top gun but you provide us with the nitty gritty details behind all this stuff. That phrase ("M.G." refers to Machine Gun) carries a ton of clout. We can all feel the importance and significance of this oiler in the field. I haven't gone back in this thread to see if you've received any gooey awards but I know we all appreciate your contributions so a big THANK YOU is in order!

 

[don long]

I have been collecting oilers for some time and have them displayed in several different places around the party garage.
I have some of my smaller ones in this show case

IMG_7308 by don long, on Flickr

I have larger ones on the shelf in the men's restroom

IMG_7299 by don long, on Flickr

And some of my 3 in 1 oilers are on display in this case

IMG_1142 by don long, on Flickr

 

[Private Lugnutz]

...that oiler is worthy of the prestigious[/CENTER]

GOLDEN PANCAKE AWARD!​

don long
Display has always been your forte! From the Brass board to the Blackhawk cabinet and everything in between. (Not to go off topic, but real quick, what is the story on the "junker" model in the glass box?)

 

[don long]

Lugnutz

It is a model of a 37 lincoln zephyr coupe like the red one next to it.
When I picked up my real zephyr I started collecting the zephyr models
My real car was reclaimed from the dead so I did the model to resemble what my car was originally

1 (2) by don long, on Flickr

IMG_2260 by don long, on Flickr

 

[Private Lugnutz]

It is a model of a 37 lincoln zephyr coupe like the red one next to it. When I picked up my real zephyr I started collecting the zephyr models My real car was reclaimed from the dead so I did the model to resemble what my car was originally

Love it. Definitely got the intentional "barn find" look vibe right away.

You need one of these in the trunk!

See the decal!

Here is the GJ thread. Make sure you read post #30.

 

[don long]

Thanks for that tidbit on the Zephyr
Getting back on topic
Here is a shot of the other side of the restroom with more oilers on the shelf

IMG_7302 by don long, on Flickr

 

[Outlawmws]

Hard to act to follow after an incredible collection like Don's!

I'm not going to even try to show all the "branded" oil cans like 3-in one, Texaco, and the multitude of packaged "in use" oils and lubes; THAT would be an all day sucker to arrange!

Some of mine - Just the "squeeze the can" type here:

The Green Phisohex bottle gets fed from oil change leavings, and is just for "I need a dab of oil here" times. How many remember when this was "THE stuff for cleaning your face during adolescent bouts of Acne? worked too, but was take off the market as a health hazard! Doctors habitually used it for Pre-op surgery too...

The green one up front I keep on my desk for "I need some light oil (MMO)for something inside, and the small shiny plated caped can has a needle for spot oiling, but this one has Kroil in it and lives on my inside workbench.

I grabbed these as they were handy - The "Kroiler" is NOS. The white sprayer is also unused as yet. The green one had to be resurrected with MEK from it's former use...

Lots of others but this is what I had time for

 

[Outlawmws]

Just picked up another! This one is cooler as its got the Ford script (and a "E" on the back side... Edsel?

 

[Motorman55]

My vintage Ever-Ready oiler can with cool graphics.

 

[Outlawmws]

I picked this one up for a buck today: Marked "Cutter Laboratory" and "San Francisco CAL"

I WAS going to use it for Neetsfoot oil and pit it in camping. (pump leather for lanterns and stoves... Fits the oil hole like it was MADE for it! )

HOWEVER, it can't be an oiler as it had HOLES where the slider is for the center "feed pin"

So maybye this is for jabbing something and taking a sample? and the "push pin" is for ejecting the sample? (Ouch for samples!)

 

[d42jeep]

A quick Wikipedia search on Cutter Labs makes for some interesting reading. Being from the East Bay I was somewhat familiar with their history.
I was unaware of this thread until Lugz posted a recent link, since I mostly hang out in the vintage tool forum. I started looking for oilers that matched the original one that would have come with my WW2 Jeep but have since found quite a few others. Here are a few pictures.
-Don

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I was unaware of this thread until Lugz posted a recent link

It's a great thread and yet another one stranded and too often neglected in the General Discussion forum that would better served in the Vintage Discussion forum.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Nothing special to report, 2oolhound, but I kind of like the approach to the leak-proof spout on this oiler I picked up at the flea market this morning.

 

[Outlawmws]

THAT is clever!

 

[Username already in use]

Hey Lugz! I picked up this familiar looking oiler today at the flea. In addition to the cool cap/spout, it's got a nifty Black and Decker label on there. In case you need to oil your hammer.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Suddenly mine looks naked and upstaged!! HAHA. Love that label. I wonder how early they made pneumatic hammers. The address is pre-Zip (1963). Probably 40s or 50s.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Picked up this tiny jobbie at the flea today. Simple "lightbulb" type screw-in spout. I usually don't even bother with these types of oilers, which seem quite common, unless there's something special about them, and in this case I liked the embossed marking around the rim of the vessel.

EAGLE - PAT APPL'D FOR - MADE IN U.S.A. -

 

[darkzero]

Not an oil can but it is made by the same Eagle that made oilers & it's purpose is for oily rags. Flea market find a month ago.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

As first reported on the Garage Sale thread, I picked up this unusual oiler this morning at the flea market.

I have never seen one quite like it before with the plunger on an angle like that into the vessel rather than as part of the cap. Even though I suspected it was made of copper, it's relatively heavy for an oiler this size, due no doubt to the plunger mechanism.

First thing I did was take it apart, carefully, and inspect it.

To clean or not is always a touch choice with some of these older pieces, depending on circumstances. While I am more often than not loathe to remove well-earned patina, this piece had some stubborn grime and box rot on it, so I decided to do a light, conservative cleaning.

Everything except the plunger took a quick bath in Simple Green, I used a stiff rifle brush on the hardened crud, and spiffed up everything with some Brasso and a rag. Everything is copper except the spout, which is steel or possible tin, the plunger spring, and the leather gaskets.

It came out nicely, I think.

Here is other end of the plunger mechanism, inside the vessel, just under the spout.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

After reassembly...

 

[Outlawmws]

That's a cool one Lugz!

What is the ID of the plunger's bore? That may be the same as one of the gas lantern/stove pump leathers, so the cracked one could be replaced (is it operational? is there a one way valve in the bottom of the bore?)

if the leather is dry oil it up with neatsfoot oil (other oils often eat the leather over time, neatsfoot won't...)

You may need to do something for the cap gasket for the pump to actually operate? It's not obvious if the pump operates by pressure, or by a direct feed of the spout?

Odd that the plunger has two leathers? maybe the second one was for use as a spare? (reverse them?)

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks, Outlaw.

It's operational. (You really didn't think I wasn't going to test it, did you? )

The leather gaskets - cap, spout, and plunger, were all soaked in melted Neatsfoot before those 'After' pics. (I was just talking about Neatsfoot on Drives' new 'leather care' thread. Longtime user. Dad used it. Didn't know anyone even used anything else! )

It won't release oil without plunging. There is a little valve at the bottom of the plunger where it enters the vessel and a little spring valve at the bottom of the spout where the plunger mechanism exits the vessel. Also, the cap has a tiny exhaust port.

First couple times I tried it, I couldn't get any output until the third or fourth plunge. But that priming action and a little more oil in the vessel and it is now squirting on every plunge. I wish the site took videos. I would make a short clip. Works like a charm!

EDIT: The ID of the plunger bore is 3/4". I'm a big believer in leaving things "as is" until I need to attend to a problem. But I will keep your suggestion in mind if I ever need to replace the gaskets. Honestly, I will probably punch my own out if it comes to that, though.

 

[Outlawmws]

Oh, I knew you would give it a shot, but I wasn't sure that cracked leather cup would still be up to it! Its surprising sometimes how one that looks terrible works, and one that looks perfect, doesn't...

I have a near 100 YO stove with a separate pump that needs attention to the cup leather. another soak, - maybe, but I only really get about 1/2 of a stroke out of it... It will probably need to be replaced...

Lots of guys do make there own, but you also need to form than to get the cup shape.

It it does come to that, let me know and I'll mail you a new one.

 

[2oolhound]

I have been collecting oilers for some time and have them displayed in several different places around the party garage.
I have some of my smaller ones in this show case

Finally got my main computer back in operation. I had 1TB of mostly photos in limbo but managed to save everything.

WOW Don! If you were to post just one or two of those at a time you could keep this thread going for a year by yourself! Every time I see one of your posts, especially the restorations, I'm speechless but the vastness of the displays in your party garage totally blows me away. It must take a long day (or two) to go through your garage, it's amazing. Tell me this isn't the view out your window to your back yard Thanks for posting, we love you here man!

Just picked up another! This one is cooler as its got the Ford script (and a "E" on the back side... Edsel?

You have one of those projector oilers, nice. There are some nice small ones there too.
Maybe the "E" stands for Eagle who punches scripts into their oilers.

Motorman, there's no match for that EverReady oil can! Nice Find!

d42jeep, That hand painted Plews Gem oiler has it! That would really dress up a garage window sill with a bright cheery look. LOVE IT!

Hey Lugz! I picked up this familiar looking oiler today at the flea. In addition to the cool cap/spout, it's got a nifty Black and Decker label on there. In case you need to oil your hammer.

Those hammer oilers of yours and Lug's are function over form all the way. The only negative would be you wouldn't want it near where you would be grinding etc for fear of getting abrasives in the spout.

DarkZero, that's an Eagle oily rag can, We'll take it! Thanks for posting!

and Lug! the little oiler with the dice is a nice one. I never see that type around here, I'm starting to realize it's slim pickins where I am. Your last copper one is a real work of art. So much work went into it. I'm wondering if the flange where the spout attaches is also threaded to service that little valve or if it's also sweated into place like the bottom and other fixtures. You sure wouldn't want to damage it by trying to unthread it. Maybe a finger through the other openings would confirm or closer inspection.

Thanks for posting everybody, I'm amazed at the quantity of shapes and styles that exist. It just keeps getting better and better.

 

[m6z]

Are modern oil cans available, ones that don't leak?

Seems like every oil can I've ever used was covered with oil.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[81turbota]

Are modern oil cans available, ones that don't leak?

Seems like every oil can I've ever used was covered with oil.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

I have a few of the new production Goldenrod oilers that don’t leak. They’re nice pieces, priced well and made in the USA.

I have quite a few older ones, some leak some don’t.

 

[FMC1959]

As first reported on the Garage Sale thread, I picked up this unusual oiler this morning at the flea market.

I have never seen one quite like it before with the plunger on an angle like that into the vessel rather than as part of the cap. Even though I suspected it was made of copper, it's relatively heavy for an oiler this size, due no doubt to the plunger mechanism.

First thing I did was take it apart, carefully, and inspect it.

To clean or not is always a touch choice with some of these older pieces, depending on circumstances. While I am more often than not loathe to remove well-earned patina, this piece had some stubborn grime and box rot on it, so I decided to do a light, conservative cleaning.

Everything except the plunger took a quick bath in Simple Green, I used a stiff rifle brush on the hardened crud, and spiffed up everything with some Brasso and a rag. Everything is copper except the spout, which is steel or possible tin, the plunger spring, and the leather gaskets.

It came out nicely, I think.

Here is other end of the plunger mechanism, inside the vessel, just under the spout.

That's a real beauty, congrats on the find

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thank you, sir!

 

[Andrew LB]

Nice oilers everyone. I'm the proud owner of an old Eagle oiler. It may look like a piece of junk to most but it is priceless to me. See... my Grandfather passed away a few years before i was born ('78) so obviously i never had the chance to know him. But my whole life relatives would tell me how similar we are, always repairing things, wrenching on cars, or simply taking stuff apart... wanting to see how something works. 10 years ago my grandmother passed away at 99 and i was asked to come by the house and see if i wanted any of his tools, etc. Unknown to me, my grandmother had left a corner of the garage which was used for storage of anything and everything that isn't a vehicle, where his workbench was completely untouched since his passing. Everything was put away in a couple tool boxes except this oiler which was the only thing on the bench top aside from 40 years of dust. I'll take some photos of the tools when i get some time. I also rescued a 1934 GE Monitor Top refrigerator that my Aunt was going to throw away (sometimes you just can't help stupid) which i have since rewired, repainted, and is currently puttering way in my garage keeping beer and wine cold.

Anyways, here's the oiler. I emptied it into that plastic cup, wiped it down with mineral spirits and then some CLP to get the rust removed. Also put some mineral spirits inside to hopefully loosen up the layer of caked oil in the bottom of the can. So far the only thing i can make out is the name EAGLE. the screw cap is brass, aside from that i know nothing about its age or anything.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

That's a goodie! You rarely see the seamless welded spring steel push-bottom type oilers in that small size. The spout looks owner bent, but that adds to its charm.

I'll take some photos of the tools when i get some time.

Please do! And please post them down on the Vintage Discussion board. Or at least leave a note here on this thread if you post them up here on the General Discussion board. Except for this and the Garage Sale thread, which are subscriptions, I never read this board.

 

[Motorman55]

This is one of my oldest oiler cans. No name on it.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

This is one of my oldest oiler cans. No name on it.

Did you see post #148?! 2oolhound could correct me if I'm wrong, but I've watched this thread pretty closely since 2014, and mine was the first angled plunger oiler posted, now you post one less than a couple weeks later, and..., we're both from New Jersey! Hmmmm.... Maybe the tinker lived here!