posted on June 2, 2003 09:20:37 PM new
This small metal bottle is about 3 1/2 inches tall. The top unscrews to reveal a long skinny pointed nozzle. I think the previous owner must have inserted a long needle topped with a cork to keep the nozzle free and cleaned of whatever the bottle was used for. Stamped on the bottom is "Made in USA" with two patent dates: April 23, 95 and April 6 97. I'm assuming these years are 1895 and 1897 as the bottle looks quite old. With the long skinny nozzle, it sort of looks like an early "3-in-One" type oil can but that's just a guess. If anyone knows anything about this item, would appreciate info. Thanks in advance!
posted on June 2, 2003 09:42:26 PM new
It sure looks like an oil can to me. Possibly for a sewing machine? Do a search for antique sewing machines and see if you can find anything similar.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
posted on June 2, 2003 09:45:23 PM new
It's called a dropper. The needle is part of the design and is used when you need small drops of oil.
[ edited by horsey88 on Jun 2, 2003 09:49 PM ]
posted on June 2, 2003 09:50:31 PM new
Sparkz and Horsey are both correct...it's a sewing machine oil can.
I recently sold an old sewing machine and during the auction, I received a few inquiries asking if the oil can was intact ( it was).
posted on June 2, 2003 10:08:40 PM new
Well (no pun intended), I got the oil can right...Not being the domestic dolly type, I never would have guessed it was for a sewing machine...Thanks so much for the information...As usual, the knowledge and expertise of the kind folks on this board is AWESOME!
