Oil Barrel
code: LVSAV1990.033
Collection code:
LVSAV1990.033
Collection:
Description
40-gallon steel shale oil barrel marked "The Pumpherston Oil Co. Ltd Uphall N.B. Rly No. 4172" c. 1910-1940.
Before the introduction of bulk tankers most of the oil produced by the shale oil industry was shipped in barrels. Steel barrels such as this began to be introduced in the first decade of the 20th century and gradually superseded wooden barrels which although cheaper, tended to leak and required constant maintenance. This heavy type of steel barrel appears to have been superseded by lightweight parallel sided drums by the 1940's.