Early "X" pattern Kanister

[CARL]

Here is a nice example of an early "X" pattern 20L fuel kanister.

Muller Schwelmer's chief engineer, Vinzenz Grunvogel, designed this new pattern of can after distortion problems with earlier kanisters. The weight of 20L of fuel often forced the cans to bend so Grunvogel created this pattern, known as the "X" pattern, to prevent distortion.

Muller Schwelmer Eisenwerke und co. of Schwelm, Westfalia produced this style of can between 1937 and 1941. This piece is a 1939 example from batch number 155. Note the traces of orange/red base coat paint that was applied hot to all kanisters to prevent corrosion.

Regards,

Carl