Shell Outboard Motor Oil—Six Unopened Half-Pint Ca
Vintage Ira
Yesterday at 08:51 PM
Hello, I’m hoping members can help identify the approximate age, scarcity and current collector value of this Shell Outboard Motor Oil display carton and its contents.
My husband and I purchased a piece of land with an old gas station and repair garage on it. What began as a cleanup project has turned into something entirely different because we keep uncovering pieces of the station’s history—and admittedly, the cleanup is taking much longer now.
These items just hit differently when you find them where they were originally used and stored. Even something as ordinary as a can of lubricant was once thoughtfully designed—the colors, lettering, graphics and presentation were all created to catch a customer’s attention. Finding the cans still unopened and together in their original display carton made us stop and appreciate something we might once have overlooked.
The carton contains six one-half-pint cans of Shell Outboard Motor Oil for two-cycle engines. All six cans appear to be unopened and retain their original contents.
The cans were found together in this original Shell display carton inside an old gas station. I have not used water, chemicals, polish, rust remover or abrasive cleaning because I did not want to damage the printing, cardboard, original finish or historical integrity. I would appreciate advice if members believe any additional cleaning is appropriate; otherwise, I intend to preserve the original surfaces and patina.
The cardboard carton has age-related dirt, discoloration, edge wear, tears and surface loss. The cans show storage wear, staining and some oxidation around the rims, but the printed graphics remain visible. I have included photographs showing the carton, cans and their present condition from several angles.
What approximate decade is this Shell packaging from?
Is the original six-can display carton particularly scarce?
What would be a reasonable current collector-value range for the complete carton and six unopened cans in this condition?
Thank you in advance for any information you would be able to provide.
