The varying styles of 'BP' 2 gallon petrol cans from the company's early days before the first world war, when the company was under the control of German business, through to its take over by the British Government and its later joint marketing venture with Shell-Mex Ltd.
Please note that the BP 2 gallon cans of the 1920's/30's were painted in a Khaki colour.
Advertisement dated 1922. BP 2 gallon cans were orginally painted in a Khaki colour. You can see this in other BP advertisements in the "Advertising" section
Dating to 02-08 when the German owned 'BP' Co had sole marketing rights for Shell - 1 inch neck. With thanks to Tim Clark
Rare narrow writing version of a running board can dated 1917. Note the 'M' is full length. With thanks to Canny
Rare narrow writing version of a running board can dated 1917. Note the 'M' is full length. With thanks to Canny
British Petroleum can with dots instead of apostrophes. With thanks to Tim Clark
British Petroleum can with dots instead of apostrophes and with smaller motor spirit lettering. With thanks to Tim Clark
Most common type of can found with BP at the top with apostrophes. With thanks to Ken
Most common type of can found with BP at the top with apostrophes. With thanks to Ken
Another stype of British Petroleum can with the 'BP' in the middle. With thanks to Ken
Another stype of British Petroleum can with the 'BP' in the middle. With thanks to Ken
British Petroleum 2 gallon can with unusual lines. Possibly from Ireland
Can from the Irish British Petroleum Co Ltd, Dublin, probably 1930's
A clearly marked 2 gallon can from the Irish British Petroleum Co Ltd, Dublin
Rare BP Ethyl transfered can by Valor dated 1 - 34. With thanks to Tim Clark
'BP' 1930's transfered can. With thanks to Rob Gallier
BP' Plus 1930's transfered can
2 Gallon Petrol Can for BP Plus with inset Shell Motor Oil Tin
BP L'Alliance, dating to the European alliance of Royal Dutch Shell, BP and various other companies
If you can add to this site by sending in large format images of any 2 gallon cans not illustrated here then they would be greatly appreciated. Also appreciated would be any relevant company history as this would help to build a better understanding of the Vintage Garage and the companies involved. If you do send in images would you please email the largest possible size
as this will help us to crop and re-size but to still maintain image quality and detail which is important. Also please include any relevant information such as dates etc and also whether you would like a photographic credit.
Please click here for more details about submitting images.
Your contributions are important and welcomed. Each image sent in helps to make the past a little bit clearer.
If sending images please send as large as possible as this helps with cropping and resizing whilst still maintaining a minimum quality of the original. Images between 1000 and 2000 pixels are preferred. Unfortunately we may not be able to use your image if it is too small.
We do not assume copyright of any image sent in but we do reserve the right to use any image to give the best use and effect for Vintage Garage, and to retain that use. We are pleased to give photo credits but some contributors prefer to remain anonymous. We will assume the latter unless you inform us otherwise.
If any images you send in are personal and you wish them to be marked to deter copying then please let us know and we will put a 'Protected' marker on them. This will not prevent copying but will make the image unviable accept for any personal use.
Where possible, please let us have any dates, makers names or model numbers or any other detail which will help to explain your images.
We take this opportunity of saying thanks to all those contributors who have given so generously in the past.
