Winchester gun oil can|General Discussions & Questions|Forum|Winchester Collector

In the Standard Catalog of Winchester it shows 2 different oil cans with green labels.  One says Heavy under the word Gun (where it says Gun Oil under the red Winchester).  The other one does not have the word Heavy.  The can that says Heavy also says Price 25 cents.

No history is given.  In good shape these cans could bring $200 and up.

Hoops said

Thanks for the replies, fellows.  Here are pics of the can for you, Maverick.   

That is a General Utility Oil Can which likely why it has the paper label, and is not the typical Green or Red painted can you see out there.

It was likely produced between 1931 & 1935, due to the label stating division of Western Cartridge Company and it not also stating Winchester-Western.

Winchester Repeating Arms Company went into receivership in 1931, and was bought at bankruptcy auction by the Olin family’s Western Cartridge Company on December 22 of that year.  Oliver Winchester’s firm would maintain a nominal existence until 1935, when Western Cartridge merged with its subsidiary to form Winchester-Western Company; in 1944 the firearms and ammunition operations would be reorganized as the Winchester-Western Division of Olin Industries.

Wish I could tell you more, but I’m still currently researching these types of accessories along with the Reloading Tools.

I’ve always found it interesting that the Green Paint Labeled Oil Cans always go for such money, when the glass oil bottles are older.

Sincerely,

Maverick

I believe it was a petroleum based products, but don’t know for certain. I’ve never had it tested. I would think whale oil would have been more expensive, and I don’t know if whale oil was ever commerically used / sold for gun oil. But I suppose it probable.

Sincerely,

Maverick 

Hoops said
I believe you’re onto something, Maverick, when you state when the can was made.  It is not the General Utility Oil can however, since it states Gun Oil on the front.  I know the General Utility Oil cans state such on the face of the can.  Those Green ‘Heavy Gun Oil cans are tough to find also.  I’ve never seen one in decent enough condition to try to purchase. Not currently wanting to part with this one but who knows in the future.  Thanks again.  

You are correct, it is a Gun Oil can, I suppose my subconscious made think it was a General Utility Oil can. As I do believe I’ve seen cans like this one but being the General Utility Oil. Of course when I looked through my files I couldn’t find anything. But I did find a similar can of Heavy Machine Oil that looks similar but is obviously later as it is marked “Winchester-Western”.

I believe these cans may have been made before the classic Red & Yellow cans. But like I stated earlier I’m still researching these.

It is a nice piece.

Sincerely,

Maverick