What Is It?

[BlueOvalFitter]

A few days ago my cousin was looking around in our grandfathers house attic. The house has been in our family since the 1830's. He came across this tin can in an old trunk in the attic. He knew I was into old things like this and he gave it to me. Does anyone know what kind of oil, lighter fluid, (liquid?) it might have contained? A name brand that goes with the can?
I would like to possibly restore it, if I can. Any suggestions or input as to how I might go about it?

 

[jagdriver727]

Pics not loading for me...

I'm going to speculate and say it's some ultra-rare original Lucas Oil Stabilizer from 1873.

I see it now. Sticking with my answer ^^

 

[OilUzer]

Looks like my muffler.

 

[Chris142]

If you yake the top off what does it smell like?

 

[Kira]

My brain rang, "gun oiler", military.

 

[VolvoZ]

It does have that nozzle to reach into the gas tank filler neck, so might be fuel cleaner. just make sure it isn’t some sort of ordnance or other hazardous materials container.

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

If you yake the top off what does it smell like?

I haven't even attempted that yet. But, I will. I was wanting to know if anyone knew what it is, and how old?

 

[MParr]

Maybe a black powder flask?

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

The spout is brass as well as the threaded insert.
I want to say it almost smells like a spearmint, or some kind of mild mint smell.

 

[doitmyself]

Kira nailed it. https://laurelleaffarm.com/item-pag...ield-kit-laurel-leaf-farm-item-no-nt32885.htm

 

[MParr]

Brass? That means it once held something flammable or explosive.

 

[4WD]

There were some old DuPont gun powder cans like that. Never saw that extension … but they did have an oval on the front of can …

 

[MParr]

Kira nailed it. https://laurelleaffarm.com/item-pag...ield-kit-laurel-leaf-farm-item-no-nt32885.htm
View attachment 46979

Good find!

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

I have some PB BLASTER, Rust Release WD40, GOOF OFF, and rubbing alcohol. Which of these should I use to clean the can? Or, any other suggestions as how to clean it?

 

[Passport1]

Container for sperm whale oil. Moby **** vintage.

 

[simple_gifts]

Spearmint? must be MMO; been sitting in a can for 100 years, no problems.....

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

Spearmint? must be MMO; been sitting in a can for 100 years, no problems.....

I'm going to try and get some of the oil from the can to lube a gun.





Um, NOT!

 

[Chris142]

The spout is brass as well as the threaded insert.
I want to say it almost smells like a spearmint, or some kind of mild mint smell.

View attachment 46977

Prehistoric marvel mystery oil ?

 

[Convert]

If I was you, and I'm not I WOULD NOT RESTORE IT!

You will find out that its probably worth more the way it is.

Convert

TOMB

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

My cousin and I were just talking and 2 of our uncles were in WWII. One was born in 1924, the other, 1926. One went into the Navy, the other went into the Marines. We're thinking it was our uncle in the Marines that brought it back and my grandfather put it in the trunk. My grandfather (my dads father and mother) passed away in 1996 (1904-1996/92 years old) and my grandmother passed away in 1998 (1905-1998/93 years old).
My cousin also found some very old photo albums, clothes, and boots. I'm going over to his house this weekend to look at the findings.