Red Jerry can. USMC? Please help with any information I would appreciate it.

[anton67]

I picked up this red cherry can today. I believe it’s from the 50s based on the markings.  I was also told they were generally assigned to US Marines when they were painted red.  But I know little about these.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[GWS]

My guess is it was painted red at a later time by a civilian for safety reasons(notice the embossed GAS is white). I've never heard of the association of red gas cans and Marines. Urban legend?  I've got a '52 dated can by the same company, but it's still O.D.

 

 

Steve

[robinb]

The red paint was applied for the civilian market. I have actually been denied service at a gas station for using an OD painted can. They said it was illegal for them to put gas in any can that wasn't painted red.

 

And your can is dated 1953, so you are correct about the vintage.

[anton67]

Thank you for the responses 

[Armygas]

G.P.& F. is for, Geuder Paeschke & Frey, of Milwaukee, WI, they made GAS cans in 50,52 and 53, WATER cans in 51, and possibly more?  They also made US 1 qt canteens and civilian OIL and LUBE cans.  The can when OD green was used by any branch that needed a can, red for USMC, never heard of that in 25 years of collecting jerricans.

Cheers Armygas

[GWS]

16 hours ago, Armygas said:

G.P.& F. is for, Geuder Paeschke & Frey, of Milwaukee, WI, they made GAS cans in 50,52 and 53, WATER cans in 51, and possibly more?  They also made US 1 qt canteens and civilian OIL and LUBE cans.  The can when OD green was used by any branch that needed a can, red for USMC, never heard of that in 25 years of collecting jerricans.

Cheers Armygas

 Thanks for the name of the company that made these.  I will label it now because there is no way I will remember it!

 

Steve

[Armygas]

A few more photos for this brand; civil oil can, the base is very hard to read: G P & F  MILW  WIS, the 1944 1 QT canteen, and the USAF Strata blue painted 1951 Water can with stamping under the handle.  Cheers, Armygas

[GWS]

Armygas-  Thanks for the additional photos of what they made for the U.S. services.  A good variety of metal containers for sure.

 

 

Steve