To determine the manufacturing date of a jerry can, you'll need to inspect the markings typically found on the bottom of the can. These markings provide key information about its origin and production timeline.
Locating the Date Markings
The most crucial step in dating a jerry can is to find its stamped information.
- Primary Location: Always check the bottom of the jerry can. This is the standard area where manufacturers applied essential identification marks.
Deciphering the Markings
Once you've located the markings, you'll usually find them arranged in three distinct lines. Each line serves a specific purpose, helping you understand the can's history.
Typical Marking Structure:
| Line Number | Information Provided | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Line | Standard Conformance | Indicates the specific standard or regulation the jerry can adheres to. This often relates to its construction, materials, and safety specifications. | W^D (War Department), UN Approved |
| Second Line | Manufacturer | Displays the name, initials, or logo of the company that produced the jerry can. This can sometimes help in further historical research. | BSA, ABP, Schwelmer Eisenwerk |
| Third Line | Date Line | This is the line you're looking for to determine the manufacturing date. It typically follows a day-month-year format, or sometimes just month-year or year. | 20-5-42 |
Focusing on the Date Line:
The third line is your direct indicator of when the jerry can was produced. For example, a marking like "20-5-42" would indicate a manufacturing date of May 20, 1942. This format is common for military-grade jerry cans, providing a precise point in time for collectors and enthusiasts.
Why Date Your Jerry Can?
Understanding the age of your jerry can can offer several insights:
- Historical Value: Older cans, especially those from specific wartime periods, can have significant historical value to collectors.
- Authenticity: Dating helps authenticate vintage cans, distinguishing them from modern reproductions.
- Maintenance: Knowing the age might give an indication of its potential wear and tear, influencing how you might restore or use it.
Practical Tips for Inspection
- Clean the Area: Ensure the bottom of the can is clean of dirt, rust, or paint that might obscure the markings. A wire brush (for metal cans, carefully) or a stiff bristled brush with some cleaner can help.
- Good Lighting: Use a bright light source, such as a flashlight, and examine the markings from different angles. Sometimes, heavily corroded or painted-over marks are only visible under specific lighting conditions.
- Rubbing Technique: For very faint markings, gently rub a piece of chalk or a pencil over the area. The powder can settle into the depressions of the stamps, making them more visible.
By carefully examining these markings, you can accurately determine the manufacturing date of your jerry can, connecting you to its past.
For more information on the history and types of jerry cans, you can explore resources like Wikipedia's entry on Jerrycans.
