Oil Wagon

Front:
Oil Wagon 1890s Oil Wagon 1890s 10.1USA 10.1USA Carrier Routeyort Carrier Routeyort OIL OIL NGTON JUN 27 1988 20060 KEROS Bail DC WASHIN

Back:
OIL WAGON First Day of Issue: June 27, 1988 First Issue Location: Washington, D.C. Just before the turn of century, Americans were finding more and more uses for oil. Until better means of delivery were devised, oil companies used traditional horse- drawn delivery wagons modified with a few minor adjust- ments. As oil trains pulled into the local railroad station, the oil wagons lined up to be filled. Their tanks were secured by metal strapping, with movement prevented by a crossbar at the rear and the driver's cab at the front. Most wagons had either lever or pedal brakes. Rattling along the country roads and city streets, they became a common sight. The typical oil wagon sported a length of metal protected by a rubber, canvas, or leather hose for bulk discharge, and a semi-rotary hand pump for “non-grav- ity" discharge. At the unloading point, the dealer would dispense lamp oil to customers who were shopping for many household items. Sometimes the oil was even stored alongside food. Fortunately, with the automobile, came greater safety and efficiency in the handling of oil. No. 88-37 ©1988 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation • Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by Basil Smith