Fall 2026 Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 106:
Description
WWII US Army Air Corps Miniature Metal Field Flask, Jerry Can Form, Circa 1940s Offered here is a small metal flask fashioned in the iconic profile of the jerry can, identified as US Army Air Corps aviation support equipment. Compact in scale, this vessel was specifically engineered for the precise task of dispensing lubricating oils or solvents directly into aircraft engine components, reflecting the specialized logistical requirements of Allied ground crews and mobile support units during the Second World War. During the 1940s, the US Army Air Corps utilized these small-scale canisters for the maintenance of high-performance aeronautical machinery. The ribbed side panels-a hallmark of the jerry can design-were incorporated into these miniature vessels to provide structural integrity against mechanical stress and environmental factors, mirroring the efficiency of the larger, ubiquitous 20-liter fuel cans of the era. Constructed of pressed sheet metal, the flask features an integrated top-mounted handle and a functional threaded screw cap. The piece displays a historical patina consistent with mid-century military field utility, including scattered surface oxidation, paint loss, and minor dents that verify its age and past service. No formal manufacturer markings are present, a trait common for specialized mission-issue auxiliary gear of the period. A compelling and authentic piece of 1940s aeronautical logistics, this flask offers a tactile connection to the equipment used by US Army Air Corps personnel to maintain the complex machinery of the Allied air war.
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