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Rare Jos. Lucas Ltd. ‘Banjo’ Motor Oiler No. 38, Heavy Brass, 1910-1920, Britain
The Joseph Lucas No. 38 Motor Oiler is a classic piece of British automobilia, famously part of the original tool kits for Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost motor cars between 1910 and 1920. This banjo-shaped, heavy brass oil can features a force-feed button and was designed for the early veteran and Edwardian eras of motoring.
Condition: Rare antique for British automobilia collectors - Jos. Lucas Ltd. ‘Banjo’ Motor Oiler No. 38. Made for the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost motor cars 1910-1920. 234 grams, 8.25 ounces. 8.5 inches long. 4.5 inches high. .75 inch thick. Force-feed button. Heavy gauge brass. In very good condition in 100-year-old original patina “as found”. This Motor Oiler weighs 234 grams.
History of Joseph Lucas Ltd.
The company, which became a global giant in automotive and aerospace components, follows a long history of British industrial innovation.
Foundation (1860s–1875): Joseph Lucas began in the early 1860s as a paraffin oil dealer in Birmingham, eventually opening a small workshop in 1875 with five employees to manufacture ship and coach lamps.
Expansion (1880s–1890s): The company found massive success during the "bicycle boom" with its patented "King of the Road" cycle lamp. In 1897, it was formally incorporated as Joseph Lucas Ltd..
The Automotive Era (1900s–1940s): After Joseph's death in 1902, his son Harry took over. The company shifted focus to automotive electrical components, securing major supply contracts with Morris Motors in 1914 and Austin in 1926.
Growth and Mergers (1950s–1990s): Renamed Joseph Lucas (Industries) Limited in 1951, the group expanded globally into braking (Girling) and diesel systems. In 1996, it merged with Varity Corporation to form LucasVarity, which was later acquired by TRW Inc. in 1999.
We ship all items in bubble wrap inside double corrugated boxes. You are buying the Jos. Lucas Ltd. ‘Banjo’ Motor Oiler No. 38 as photographed in this listing; as is. We ship to -verified addresses only. Please use the message system for all communications. You will pay postage, which is estimated in this listing, unless the item is marked, “Free Shipping”. The shipping estimate was generated by the shipping calculator plus special handling to insure the safety of your purchase.
