Rare small Litho 'Empire Axle Grease' tin pail from the Marshall Oil. Co., Marshalltown & Oskaloosa, Iowa. This little tin is in remarkable condition especially for its age. There are a few little litho flicks and nicks, a very shallow dent and small rub on one of the back panels and the lid has light staining but overall it is beautiful. It has good color and a wonderful graphic of a horse drawn wagon. The covered wagon has lettering that read "THE GOVERNMENT USES EMPIRE". The pail has its original wire bail and the inside and bottom have a nice, rust free aged patina. The creative litho graphic presentation and detail on this pail are a wonderful example of early American advertising at the turn of the century.
This small pail was the smallest of several sizes offered by Marshall with all of them being very collectible and extremely difficult to find.
Circa: 1895-1922, dimensions, 3 1/4" tall without bail, 5" tall with bail x 3 1/2" diameter at top.
The last photo shown here is an Aug. 21, 1899 newspaper ad for "Empire Axle Grease" from the Evening Times-Republican, Marshalltown, Iowa.
See photos for vintage wear.