For sale four "flimsies" 2 Gal Petrol cans 1943

Godwin Hampton · #1 10-07-15, 01:34

The real 'flimsy' as seen in Hanno's photo, was sealed at the factory with the petrol inside, much like a tin of canned fruit. No screw cap was provided, and to get at the contents two holes would be punched at diagonally opposite corners of the top. After emptying the cans were either flattened for return as scrap or used for 1001 uses.....

In Malta they were filled with earth and used to build protective pens for the aircraft on the airfields. Other uses were as basins, cookers, ovens, showers etc. They were popular for these 'do-it-yourself' projects as the gauge of sheet metal used was really thin making it easy to cut to shape with an army clasp knife or a sturdy pair of scissors.

I doubt if they could be manufactured by 'Egyptian blacksmiths' as some claim, as the filling with petrol and the subsequent rolling of the edge over the top would have to be done by specialized machinery to avoid spillage and fire hazards.

The wooden crate not only protected the two cans but also made them more manageable as a shoulder load for port workers and other handlers.

r.morrison · #2 10-07-15, 04:46

Mike.....pm me with what your looking for. I would have them shipped to Calgary. I have some trucks coming here on a large project. I just picked one up at a swap meet last month for $15.00, but that's not to put a knife in your back! Consider them sold.

Cheers.....Robert

rob love · #3 10-07-15, 06:14

Uh...you guys know this thread was from 2007, right?

On a side bar about the 4 gallon cans, not all were disposable. We have a pair of 4 gallon cans at the museum that have the regular brass caps on them.

r.morrison · #4 10-07-15, 06:29

Missed that Rob. So why did it it pop up again? A little enlightenment please Rob/Hanno. Kind regards.....Robert...... PS: Was in Calgary a couple of weeks ago and picked up 4 nice 25 pounder metal containers at our old friends at Ribtor, plus had a nice visit with Gordon from Crown Surplus. Bofors is still there. Cheers.....Robert

Godwin Hampton · #5 10-07-15, 09:59

Rob, yes sturdier reusable 4-gallon cans did exist - usually stamped B.M.B on the base, but for these reasons they do not qualify for the prestigious 'Flimsy' title!

charlie fitton · #6 10-07-15, 13:31

Interesting...

I have a tin similar to the flimsy in the shop...but with a pressed metal handle and screw cap....and NO army markings..might do to fill someones tin rack.