Old Jerrycan

[iainbatch]

Hi people,

Hoping you can help us. My girlfriend picked up an old jerrycan that was used as a prop in a hotel. I think it's relatively old, and still has a faint gas smell when you open it but unfortunately it has no brand that is visible. We don't know anything about this subject so your opinions are very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Iain.

[mart]

A typical 40`s style gas can came in 2 1/2 and 5 gallon size !! Back then everyone had a gas can or two in the garage !!  A prop for what ??  Decoration of some sort ??  That's what people use them for today !! 

[iainbatch]

Hey Mart, thanks for the reply. Yes, it was being used as a prop in the banquet department. Do you know if it has any significant value?

[Rauville]

I believe those cans with the "petal design" tops were produced by the New Delphos Manufacturing Co. from Delphos, Ohio. Many were sold under the "Old Ironsides" name. The company closed (with 3 hours notice to the employees) in 1990. The gas cans usually bring around $15-20 today.

Here are some of the cans etc. produced by the company: http://www.delphos-ohio.com/Pictures/Cans%20display.htm

[iainbatch]

Thanks Rauville!

[mart]

There is always someone looking for stuff like that !!

[wilhenri]

Here is a proper Jerry Can the term comes from WW2 and this is the design of fluid container ( petrol water ) that the German Army had for use. The British on the other hand had flimsy tin cans which easily split so these were used when captured and subsequently adopted by all Allied forces. Here is a better use....lol

[Rauville]

I still use GI fuel cans that are dated in the 1940's. About the only thing that can wear out might be the lid gasket.

[mart]

Weren`t the GI cans treated inside so they did not rust or flake ?? As I recall the ones like the person is asking about eventually did and resulted in a few ruined motors !!

[wilhenri]

when I served in the late 60s early 70s all ours had a Red coating on the inside. When we had to refuel our Chieftain Tanks at night on  exercise that was close to 195 gallons out of 4 gallon jerry cans... took forever

[mart]

when I served in the late 60s early 70s all ours had a Red coating on the inside. When we had to refuel our Chieftain Tanks at night on  exercise that was close to 195 gallons out of 4 gallon jerry cans... took forever

The example you posted is much better than gas !!

[cogar]

Here is a proper Jerry Can

Yup, and here is what you need to go with an un-repurposed one.

[mart]

That was back when they made things that actually worked !!  Not like todays gas can spout which is pretty useless !!