Tool Detail
Vintage Justrite Safety Can 1 Gallon 1930s Gas Can Industrial Garage Decor
Early vintage Justrite 1-gallon safety can from Chicago, believed to date to the 1930s. Conserved rather than refinished, retaining its wonderfully worn red and black paint, original UL inspection plate, FM mark, spring-loaded closure and decades of industrial character. The steel body was cleaned and water-tested with no leakage observed from the body or seams.
Detailed description
Vintage Justrite Safety Can — Chicago, USA
A substantially built early Justrite safety can with an outstanding original industrial finish. This approximately 1-gallon can retains layers of worn red and black paint, its spring-loaded cap mechanism, original leather cap seal, Underwriters Laboratories inspection plate and FM approval marking.
The body is embossed JUSTRITE MFG. CO. / CHICAGO and PAT. APPLIED FOR / MADE IN U.S.A. The original UL plate is numbered 881768. A partially legible additional Justrite marking begins R.M. 512…; comparison examples suggest R.M. 5120 may be the model/reference, but that identification has not yet been confirmed.
Weighing 3 lb 6.6 oz empty, this is a remarkably substantial little can, with the rigid steel body, heavy spring-loaded closure and robust linkage characteristic of early industrial safety equipment.
Age
Believed to date to the early 1930s, likely circa 1932–1934. A relevant Justrite safety-receptacle patent was filed in 1932 and issued in 1934, but I have not established conclusively that this specific can corresponds to that patent. The 1930s date should therefore be considered a researched estimate rather than a documented production date.
Condition
Very good conserved vintage condition with extensive authentic working wear. Expect scratches, paint loss, oxidation, staining, small surface imperfections and other evidence of its long industrial life. It has deliberately not been repainted or restored to look new.
The spring-loaded closure operates with strong positive action. The original leather seal remains installed.
The can was filled with water and tested in multiple orientations after cleaning. No leakage was observed from the body, bottom or seams. A small amount of seepage occurred through the original leather cap seal when the filled can was left on its side with water continuously against the closure.
Because of its age, this can is sold as a vintage collectible/decorative item and is not represented as meeting current fuel-container, UL, FM, OSHA or other modern safety requirements.
Conservation
The goal was preservation rather than refinishing. Loose interior sediment and exterior grime were removed, the original finish was gently cleaned and stabilized, and the raised brass lettering of the UL plate was carefully revealed without stripping the aged background. Original paint, overpaint and working patina were retained.
Ideal for
An excellent piece for a vintage garage, workshop, service-station or petroliana collection. Its compact size also makes it easy to display on a shelf alongside antique tools, automotive memorabilia or other early industrial equipment.
A printed MMT care sheet is included with the can.
Shipping: Carefully packed to protect the spring mechanism, handle, finish and projecting filler neck. Ships empty and dry.
Highlights
- Vintage Justrite safety can
- Approximately 1-gallon capacity
- Made by Justrite Mfg. Co., Chicago
- Believed early 1930s
- UL inspection No. 881768
- Original FM approval marking
- “PAT. APPLIED FOR / MADE IN U.S.A.” embossing
- Strong working spring-loaded closure
- Original leather cap seal
- Conserved original red/black industrial finish
- Empty weight: 3 lb 6.6 oz (1.55 kg)
- Body and seams passed non-pressure water leak test
- Printed care sheet included