Antique "Patent Pending" Handy Oiler Glass Oil Bottle w/Tin Spout & Vent Tube

Description

The Handy Oiler Company was established in Danville, Indiana, sometime after World War I. Its invention and claim to fame was the Handy Oiler bottle, which was used to transfer motor oil
from wood or metal barrels into a car or truck. Mason jars, the same used for canning fruits and vegetables, served the purpose but could be messy when poured into a small crankcase opening. Enter the Handy Oiler. The glass bottle, probably made at the Ball Mason factory in Muncie, some 80 miles from Danville, had molded marks for a pint or quart. Handy Oiler then made a tin pouring spout that screwed tight on the bottle top and narrowed to a point that would fit into crankcase openings.
The built into the funnel spout was a vent tube which "automatically regulates the flow of oil into the crank case," as Handy Oiler literature noted, eliminating the glug-glug and overflow of poured oil.
Customers who questioned the markings on the bottle were to be told that "Handy Oilers have been approved by Sealers of Weights and Measures." Not sure if that was true. Full-service stations would have a metal carrying rack with eight filled Handy Oiler bottles at standby for customers who needed a refill.
This oil bottle is unique for two reasons. First, the opening measures about 2 inches (5 cm), smaller than all other oil bottle openings, which measure 2.5 inches (6 cm) or the standard Ball Mason jar opening width. So the tin funnel spout could only fit on Handy Oiler bottles. Second, most Handy Oiler bottles are marked "Patented Nov 28, 1922" to protect the company's patent. As shown in the photographs however, this bottle is marked "Patent Pending," which means it is older having been produced before the patent was granted. Not many of these older bottles around.
Glass oil bottles flourished during the 1920s and 1930s, but the introduction of tin and cardboard bottles meant an end to the breakable variety. That's what makes oil bottles rare and collectible today. This Handy Oiler bottle measures 9 inches (23 cm) tall without the spout, 14 inches (36 cm) with the spout screwed on, and 4 inches (9 cm) in diameter at the bottom. Bottle is in prime condition with no visible cracks, chips, dings or imperfections in the glass and is neat and clean. The top dust cap is not original. The Petroleum Age advertisement is from 1924. Perfect for the motor oil collector or any petroliana buff, especially in recreated garages. Insured shipping is free in the U.S. Canadian buyers, contact us for a shipping surcharge. Remember Agitprop Shoppe for all of your advertising collectible needs.
CD35006