FS Squarish British gas can

[Jordan Baker]

A picture would help.

[maple_leaf_eh]

http://warrelics.eu/forum/attic-old-...-project-9690/

Not nearly as pretty. The name on the lid is ESSO (I think).

[Jordan Baker]

OK now im know what your talking about. They are called "flimsies" but really aren't them at all. The flimsies were very similar but much more flimsy in construction.

I bought one from Geoff the other month for $40. It was a Cnd made WW2.

[Bob Carriere]

Hi Terry

You may have a Civvy 2 gal. can..... real flimsies where 4 gal. and squareish.

The picture you refer to of the British rectangular can is similar to Cdn ones.... except.... CDN have a recessed lid and the Brits has a smooth tops with no raised edges....

You might still have a valuable gas can......

Boob

[Ron Pier]

Those pictures are of the fairly common 2 gall petrol/oil/water can. The Canadian version would also have the maple leaf with a C round it embosed on the bottom.
The 4 gallon Flimsey is as stated and a very rare item. A poor quality, more or less throw away can, which was replaced from about 1942 with the captured Jerry Can design. Ron

[Phil Waterman]

Hi All

The term flimsey or flimsy is kicked around from time to time referred to as 4 gallon in Commonwealth parlance which would be Imperial Gallons. In US speak it would be a 5 gallon can, Conversion is 5 US gallons = 4.16 Imperial Gallons.

I don’t know if they were one in the same cans or not. In the US oil was often sold in this style can up until the advent of plastic containers.

I have several of these and yes the are FLIMSY as defined 1. not strong – weak and too easily broken 2. easily torn- light, thin and easily torn these cans are all of that.

So take a look at the picture is this the Critter or not?

[Dave Page]

Hi Phil,
I do not think what you have is a flimsy as it has a fixed handle, see:
http://www.goatpark.force9.co.uk/ass...uelcansbrt.jpg
is likely a US oil or kerosene tin.
Cheers,
Dave

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by Phil Waterman

Hi All

The term flimsey or flimsy is kicked around from time to time referred to as 4 gallon in Commonwealth parlance which would be Imperial Gallons. In US speak it would be a 5 gallon can, Conversion is 5 US gallons = 4.16 Imperial Gallons.

I don’t know if they were one in the same cans or not. In the US oil was often sold in this style can up until the advent of plastic containers.

I have several of these and yes the are FLIMSY as defined 1. not strong – weak and too easily broken 2. easily torn- light, thin and easily torn these cans are all of that.

So take a look at the picture is this the Critter or not?

Phil:

When I get done my Easter Weekend chores (and it is a beautiful spring day outside too), I'll figure out how to post pictures.

Yours has a screw cap and is taller than mine. The cap is much heavier with 4 prongs for some kind of wrench, not unlike the bung on a 55-gallon drum.