seaman's tattoo bottle/needle? SOLVED! GUN OIL CAN

[randazzo1]

I don't know what this actually is - I was told that it might be a bottle which was filled with ink and then used to do "on the fly" tattoos on navy ships.

Somebody else said it may have been used for innoculations - kind of a scary thought.

The bottom say's "USA" and then Pat'd April 23 '95 and Pat'd April 6 '97, so I am thinking late 19th century.

The top comes off. Then the next peice unscrews from the top and can be screwed into the bottle leaving what looks like a little oil can with the top as a needle. Very odd. Some of the pirctures are blurry especially bottom photo. I know how annoying that is to viewers - but I'm not at home - so please forgive me.

It appears to be made of tin.

Any ideas or maybe some thoughts on where to look?

Thanks for your invaluable input!

Randazzo

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[artyfacts]

Oil or ink I think.... Could be a oilier for watches. Hopefully the patent date will provide a answer.

[turtlefoot13]

Oil or ink I think.... Could be a oilier for watches. Hopefully the patent date will provide a answer.

I think that you are right.

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedi...n-oil-can-1907

[randazzo1]

Awesome ID guys. Artyfacts with a majot assist by Turtle - way to go. I was so hung up on the tattoo thing I couldn't even imagine anything else.

So I guess the needle was an after thought? I'll try to get it out.

[randazzo1]

I just have to say again how amazed I am that you guys ID'd this that fast. I posted the question, gave out a few halloween treats, then came back to upload another photo and....voila! Thanys Turtle and Artyfacts.

[Bigcypresshunter]

It looks like a bicycle oiler to me. I know this because I sold one just like it but it still had half the label paint on it. If someone runs the patent we will see.

Then again I have seen this listed as fishing reel oiler. Im sticking with bicycle. http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.p...,166318.0.html

[Bigcypresshunter]

The April 6 patent just says pocket oil can so maybe it could be gun, fishing reel or bicycle. The one I sold was bicycle... Good ID guys.

[Bigcypresshunter]

This may help explain it. http://www.antiqbuyer.com/All_Archiv...ollections.htm

Here is an interesting collection of approx 30 oilers. Almost every one of these has a subtle difference should you think you are seeing repeats. There are at least 3 different ones made for specific bicycles, a couple marked Comptometer for use w/ that adding machine, a couple with decals for film projectors, and so forth. These and other similar small oilers were given with the purchase of an assortment of everyday devices that were sold back when.

[turtlefoot13]

This may help explain it. http://www.antiqbuyer.com/All_Archiv...ollections.htm

Here is an interesting collection of approx 30 oilers. Almost every one of these has a subtle difference should you think you are seeing repeats. There are at least 3 different ones made for specific bicycles, a couple marked Comptometer for use w/ that adding machine, a couple with decals for film projectors, and so forth. These and other similar small oilers were given with the purchase of an assortment of everyday devices that were sold back when.

Great link BigCy!