Rare Original 1863 Patent Model Handy Oil Can

Updated August 26, 2026

This example is what started the manufacturing of oilers and oil cans. This is the original tinned sheet iron handy oiler with the original patent office tag that reads "John Mayher Oil Cans Patented July 7, 1863". John Mayher (1831-1901) was from Easthampton, Massachusetts. He started as a tinsmith and it was this invention, patent number 39,157, that made him an incredibly wealthy businessman. His Findagrave post features his obituary which includes the title "he invented an oil can and became wealthy". Purchased by the consignor at the Walnut Antique Mall in Iowa back in 1994. Note the submission date for the patent, barely three days after the Battle of Gettysburg was fought. The can includes a certificate of authenticity noting it is from the holdings of the U.S. patent office and other research. An opportunity for any collector to own the very first handy oiler. 7"H Can is in remarkably good condition with some areas of rust. No bottom. Label has areas of loss.

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