Shell Petrol Can Find

[Matthew P]

Found this on Craig's List in New Jersey, USA for $25. Had a friend fetch it for me.

Hoping to use it for early WW2. So what colour should I paint it? Anyone use Tamiya spray cans from the model shop on smal items like these?

Matt

[Ed Storey]

A nice example that I would not paint.

[rob love]

Also, it would likely be for civilian use in the 20s and 30s. As such, the colors would be red/yellow...a google search shows some in a dark grey with red highlights.

As to model paint, personally I would go with something like the Gillespie military paint in a spray can if need be. I'm not sure the effectiveness of paints meant for plastics on a metal container.

[Lang]

Mathew

If you Google "Shell petrol can" and click on Images you will see hundreds of examples of colors and markings.

Lang

[Matthew P]

Thanks all. I don't have the can in hand yet as I'm overseas. But my mate says the only markings are "Valor 7 M". Most examples I've seen photos of have a recognizable month-year date stamp beside Valor. But I have no clue on "7 M". Lang, as you've said there are hundreds of examples. But which would be correct? If I ever do a Salvation Army canteen car then I'd use this can for that.

Matt

[Matthew P]

This photo is ostensibly from shortly after Dunkirk. These cans are distinctly different in design or have all had the spout inexplicably removed. But all carry the Shell embossing.

Matt