Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Ivory Hard Oil Can/Tin

Looked for a couple hours on this one, 90% of the crud is dried grease so it should clean up ok. Just need some info if possible from the experts, rare or common/ top shelf can or the kind you put another on top of? Thanks, AGAIN!!.

Rarity vs commonality and top shelf vs bottom shelf!
I would have to think its a fairly rare can, as I have never seen it before, yet there are many I have never seen before, but the question would seem to be as to what the designation would do for this can?
In order for it to attain the astronomical value of the top oil cans of today, it has to be desired by a lot of people and rarity is certainly one of the factors that contribute to that, but there are many other factors that raise the value level also.
Condition is a major factor as are the graphics and coloration displayed, and the "Kool" factor is a big player too!
I think that to be a big time can, it would have to have all of these factors PLUS having been produced in enough numbers to be known within the collecting population, yet rare enough to be difficult to obtain, but not impossible! If there are "no others" and the possibility of obtaining one is limited to whoever owns the single known example---then others won't care and won't be looking for one and there will be no market gauges available by which to factor a price!
All that being said, If you like it, put it on the top shelf and brag about how its the only one known to you! If it doesn't please you much, put it on the bottom shelf and stack something else on top of it, or use it to store your favorite screws on top your work bench!
I have one or two really rare cans like that and one has the important job of keeping track of the brackets for the trim on a Tok 36B and the other holds an assortment of brass screws! Both have prominent positions on the bench and get to be front and center because they're working! Not only that but I'd rather have my junk in an old can where I can find it instead of scattered all over, so I doubt I'll ever sell them, as they are priceless.

Great perspective as always Kevin, I really like it and will hang on to it. I have gave it a light cleaning and it is turning out much better than before. Part of me wishes I never started collecting "A Few" cans as it is just as much fun, and addicting as signs, pumps and other gas/oil stuff. I can remember when I had 1 fiber Pennzoil can on the shelf.That is not the case anymore ! I think it is the olive drab look to it that got me...and of course the elephant giving his trunk a rest on one of his tusks. Thanks again for your time, enjoy the day! Gonna be a nice one here today. Not sure but it also looks like the elephant is giving a wink.

Here's a can on eBay from this company.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121212239788#ht_329wt_1219

Thanks Robert! Can't believe I missed that....well, ya I can. Appreciate the link. Here is mine after a light cleaning.

No problem, really neat can and it cleaned up well. How'd you clean it? Every time I've cleaned a grease can I've faded the graphics.

All I have ever used on cans is Dawn liquid detergent with warm water and a soft toothbrush, one can I used warm water and a Magic Eraser and it worked well also. Best thing is patience and let the brush do the work, no pressure. Others may have other ideas and I'm sure there are threads discussing that question in depth. Hope that helps.

You'd better grab that one on ebay!

I would be a player if that was the Buy It Now price. I need to eat next week so I won't be the new owner of that one! By all means a great looking can with early graphics though.

ebay can is being sold by alyssa2322, she is selling off her Dad's collection [BigFerg was a member before his passing].