This smaller ½ ounce tube of lubricant dates back to 1934 when it was included with every new locomotive that Lionel produced and was first introduced in the in the larger two ounce size and given the No. 925. Produced throughout the entire post war period this smaller tube was only shown in the 1955 and 1956 catalogs.
Only on the back of the pre-war version of this tube, besides exclaiming the virtues of this grease, is the imprint:
"U O MFG, CO PATENT 1,902,635."
Many variations occurred during the years this grease was produced concerning the cap and printing design which have not been documented due to interchangeability of the caps. There are four known variations:
Variation A: As shown to the right with a blank WHITE back.
Variation B: Same as Variation A but included an advertisement on the back side for Lubriplate.
Variation C: A WHITE tube with BLUE text. To open this tube scissors are required to cut the tip off the end. Once the tube is opened it is good for only one application. These small ½ ounce tubes were included in sets and individual locomotives. It is somewhat harder to find these tubes in their own envelope or packaged with other items in a bigger envelope. Customers usually used this tube once and then it was thrown away. |
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