2 Gallon Can

[Bob Grundy]

I am about to fit two petrol can holders/racks to a pre-war lorry. They hold three cans each, I have the rusty cans and wish to paint them, what colour would they be on a military vehicle, still in the petrol companies colour or khaki green ?   Thanks, Bob.

[fv1609]

The wartime (WW1) requirement for MT petrol was enamel light grey, I don't how things changed after that if you are referring to pre-war (WW2).

[79x100]

I've seen WD late 1930s cans in gloss bronze green and 1939 are usually Khaki Green so it seems likely that they would have been painted in the current vehicle colour.

[Tomo.T]

The WW1 colour was black for oil and water cans. Petrol cans were to be left in the makers colours. all had P. O. or W painted on both sides in white, according to the content.

This was taken from an ASC memo dated June 1915 seen by Tim Gosling. It may be possible that this referred to reconditioned tins?

Edited December 22, 2017 by Tomo.T
New information.

[fv1609]

13 minutes ago, Tomo.T said:

The WW1 colour was black for oil and water cans. Petrol cans were to be left in the makers colours. all had P. O. or W painted on one side in white, according to the content.

I was drawing on 53/Gen. No./5503 Handbook of Specifications for Supplies 1915,  it cites the specification 40/War Office/1837 Cans for the Carriage of Petrol (2 Gallons)

 

[Tomo.T]

+Very good Sir ! But I think this may have changed during the war. There are many photos clearly showing the P. O. and W. markings on a dark background.

[fv1609]

I'm sure you are right, these are simply Specifications for Supplies, I have no idea what soldiers did to them once issued

Although dated 1915 they were actually issued in Jan. 1916, the same spec was also applied to Contracts O/1307.

It would be interesting to peruse AOs & LoCs to see variations from this, but unfortunately I have none for this period.

Incidentally I also have specifications for Dried Onions, Pea Soup Powder, Claret, Brandy, Burgundy, Champagne, Scotch Whiskey, Irish Whiskey, Port, Stout, Light Beer, Soda Water, Semolina, Roast Fowls, Lime Juice (fortified with Rum) & a host of other necessities of warfare. If anyone wants the details let me know

[Pete Ashby]

55 minutes ago, fv1609 said:

Incidentally I also have specifications for Dried Onions, Pea Soup Powder, Claret, Brandy, Burgundy, Champagne, Scotch Whiskey, Irish Whiskey, Port, Stout, Light Beer, Soda Water, Semolina, Roast Fowls, Lime Juice (fortified with Rum) & a host of other necessities of warfare. If anyone wants the details let me know

Very festive Clive...... Well done that Man !

Regards

Pete

[MatchFuzee]

More on petrol cans:-

http://hmvf.co.uk/topic/6070-petrol-tins/

http://www.wwiireenacting.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=80&t=29786&start=0

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47208/thread/1364622778/British+'accessories'+colors

 

[fv1609]

30 minutes ago, Pete Ashby said:

Very festive Clive...... Well done that Man !

Regards

Pete

Yes Pete over here we're really looking forward to the Dried Onions, Pea Soup Powder & Semolina on Christmas Day. I mean you have to spoil yourself at least once a year 

[andym]

1 hour ago, fv1609 said:

Yes Pete over here we're really looking forward to the Dried Onions, Pea Soup Powder & Semolina on Christmas Day. I mean you have to spoil yourself at least once a year 

I'll go for the rum and lime, myself!  :-)

Andy

[fv1609]

16 minutes ago, andym said:

I'll go for the rum and lime, myself!  :-)

Andy

Andy are you some sort of sailor then?

[Tomo.T]

I found this on IMA's site. 2 Gallon petrol can, dated 1918, large arrow on handle with wonky spout, made by 'Grant'and obviously painted GREY. This item is now sold but pics are still available on the site. Clearly this is a big subject and there is more than one correct answer !

[andym]

14 hours ago, fv1609 said:

Andy are you some sort of sailor then?

I try!  :-)

Andy

[Tomo.T]

Another interesting, pre 1918 pic showing a veritable nest of petrol cans being guarded by the ASC. I have to say they look to be predominantly light grey in colour!  Pic is an Alamy stock image.