Polarine Motor Oil Can Value Guide

The 1913 Polarine Motor Oil half-gallon can is a cornerstone of early American automobilia, representing Standard Oil's 'The Perfect Motor Oil' during the industry's infancy. This specific tin is highly collectible for its role in supporting the burgeoning fleet of early motor cars, trucks, and farm tractors.

What Is Polarine Motor Oil Can Worth?

The typical price range for Polarine Motor Oil Can is $150 - $250 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The preservation of the original paint and the legibility of the 'The Perfect Motor Oil' marketing slogan.
• The presence of the original cap and the structural integrity of the tin, including the absence of heavy rust or punctures.
• Rarity of the half-gallon size compared to more common quart or five-gallon industrial containers.
• The vibrancy of the colors, as UV fading can significantly decrease the market value for display purposes.

How to Identify Polarine Motor Oil Can?

• Verify the 1913 copyright date printed on the tin's graphics to ensure it is an early production era piece.
• Look for the distinct Standard Oil Company branding and the specific 'Polarine' typography used in the early 20th century.
• Check for the half-gallon capacity marking, which is a specific size variant for this lubricant line.
• Examine the lithographed paint for authentic aging patterns consistent with early 1900s tin manufacturing.

History of Polarine Motor Oil Can

Polarine motor oil was a prominent product of the Standard Oil Company, introduced in the early 1900s. It was marketed as 'The Perfect Motor Oil' and played a crucial role in the development of the automotive industry as vehicles became more common. This particular can, copyrighted 1913, represents an early era of standardized lubricants, essential for the burgeoning fleet of motor cars, trucks, boats, and farm tractors.