FS Squarish British gas can

maple_leaf_eh · #1 01-04-10, 03:45

My old neighbour passed away a month ago, and the son has been clearing the house and garage so he can sell the property. Today we talked about how children of the Depression never threw anything away (as he filled two 24" dia garbage cans of short lengths of wood).

A long time ago I noted Geoffrey had two square sheet metal fuel cans about 10"x10"x14", with a spout in one corner of the lid. The son gave me one. Are these called flimsies?

Jordan Baker · #2 01-04-10, 03:47

A picture would help.

maple_leaf_eh · #3 01-04-10, 03:53

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

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

Jordan Baker · #4 01-04-10, 04:06

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 · #5 01-04-10, 04:21

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 · #6 01-04-10, 19:45

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