Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Porcelain tags

Need a question answered.What were the porcelain tags used for? They are usually about 5" by 1.5", with one or two holes,usually brand identified and very specific as to the type of fuel or oil. They come in many colors and some are two toned. I have heard that they were wired onto tank cars for identification and I have also been told that they were used on valves and at intervals in the piping clusters in refineries. Any help would be appreciated.

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You are correct, they are product id. tags. Delivery drivers would attach a tag to the tank filler cap for the product that was delivered, or know which tank to fill.
I have seen them on valves & tank lines at bulk plants & on oil [lubsters], gear pumps.
Most companies also used ALUM. & PLASTIC tags in later years.
I collect UNION OIL & STANDARD porcelain tags.
Dick

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**PUT A LID ON IT**
1qt RE-LIDDING

[This message has been edited by Dick Bennett (edited 04-04-2006).]