Oil Cans for Every Need

Pennsylvania man’s collection celebrates the contribution of the lowly oil can.

By Kelsey Pagel
Updated on May 23, 2022
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by Kelsey Pagel
Colorful labels set these cans apart.

Sometimes a collection starts very deliberately. Other times it happens purely by accident.

Allan Wilt, Cresson, Pennsylvania, says his collection of oil cans started in the 1970s, when a friend surprised him with a can from the Pennsylvania Railroad. “He knew I liked old stuff,” Allan says. “That started the collection.” After that, Allan started noticing cans. “They are so interesting,” he says, “without a huge expense.”

Today, Allan displays the majority of his collection – about 230 cans – in his shop. The remaining 10 percent is displayed in his house. The cans come in many different types and sizes for varied uses. “Some guys need a little drop of oil,” he says, “and some need a big splash.” There is a can for every need, and Allan probably has one for every type.

The satisfaction of a rare find

Allan’s collection didn’t really take off until five years ago. Before that, he collected just about anything old, from trivets to cast iron knickknacks. Allan loves antiques and loves learning about them. He’s found cans for his collection at auctions, flea markets and yard sales, and friends often give him old cans. His collection is not displayed at shows, but Allan loves going to shows.

two oil cans
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