Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion new to collecting, need some info

Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum and kind of new to the petroliana hobby, although I've always had an interest in old cars and gas stations. I've decided to get into collecting oil cans, concentrating on Pennsylvania oil and brands from my native Ohio/PA that I remember as a kid (I'm 26 so it wasn't that long ago really.) I'm curious about when the tin oil cans were used, when they were replaced by the composite/cardboard type, and when they were phased out completely (sometime in the 80's wasn't it?) Also, does anybody have any recommendations on what to avoid or what to look for when starting such a collection? Any help or advice is appreciated. Thank you.

Welcome to the hobby!
It's good that you've decided to concentrate on companies from a certain area. That gives you some focus. Many of us started out collecting anything we could find, only to realize our collection had no direction.

The rectangular 1/2 and one gallon cans were used in the 20' and early 30's. The steel one quart cans were put into use in the early 30's. I've heard 1933 was the exact year, but I can't confirm that. During WWII the oil companies used one Qt. glass bottles or jars. After the war the steel cans were used again. Some companies used steel or aluminum cans right up until they switched to the plastic bottles that we have today. Others went to composite cans in the early 1960's. Many collectors don't like composites, so I wouldn't buy those if you're collecting as an investment. Some companies used either steel or composite cans AND plastic bottles at the same time. I remember buying Mobil 1 in steel cans in 1988 for my stock car.
Collect what makes you happy, but always buy the highest quality items you can afford. Its better to have one $20 can than four $5 cans.
Have fun!
Bob

Oh yeah,most of us drain our cans unless they are really high dollar cans. Get to know as many collectors as possible. They often have doubles for sale or trade. Go to as many petro swap meets as you can. You can buy cans on ebay pretty cheap, but the shipping costs really add up fast!
Bob

Thanks for the advice and info, Bob.

Another question: What are some ways to spot the difference between original/NOS cans and repop cans? I have no problem buying a repop can just for decoration, but I don't want to get fooled into getting one after I've paid for an original.
Thanks

Most people are truthful when it comes to selling repro cans. But if you are skeptical and are able to pick the can up yourself, (ie; not an internet auction) take it in the sun, look at the seam, scratch at it a little, you can almost always tell when a can isn't real that way. But if it is an auction and you fear a can is a repro, I just dont bid.

[This message has been edited by cans and stuff (edited 08-18-2003).]

Be careful whos can your scratching, I've seen guys get slapped for that, just ask and look. once you start collecting you will be able to tell, good luck.

Ginni doesnt like me scratching my can in public...LOL
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Hubba

Sohio,
All the cans that I do have "COPIED 2001/2002" on the seam area, and have a paper/decal label applied to a new can.
There are some Vinyl labeled cans that are NOT dated, that are being sold on ebay as ONE OF A KIND.
VERY FEW original cans had a paper label, and NONE had a VINYL label.
Dick

Thanks again for all the info. Looking forward to learning by experience!