doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Three in One Bottle

Will follow up with more detail later but how many were aware that Three in One was once put up in Glass bottles. I just recently became aware of this, but now have two of the bottles. The Three in One was spelled out, did not use numerals. Three in One was originally formulated in 1894 by G W Cole. It's purpose was for oiling Bicycle Chains. Its distinctive odor comes from the addition of a bit of Oil of Citronella, Ye old Bug Repellent.

You are blessed
What fun, what fun.

Which ones do you have??
Green or clear? Cork or Screw On?

https://www.ebay.com/sch/Collectibles/1/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=3+in+1+glass+bottle

Living in a museum, I'm sure there is one of those little bottles around here somewhere. I think I saw it with some Singer sewing machines.
Long ago, I used to walk past the place where "Spic and Span" was invented and manufactured. They had it painted on the side of the building. A couple ladies, back when my Mom was a kid.

This one has the numerals on the label. Yours may be older than this, Miller.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Glass-Bottle-of-3-in-1-Three-In-One-Oil-Cork-Stopper-Paper-Label-Antique/132489971812?hash=item1ed9048864:g:gdIAAOSwmuVaT-Ku

SRH

Oops, it didn't link. Guess you'll have to copy/paste it.

That has to be going back quite a ways. 3 in 1 was what I used cleaning guns growing up. That'd take it back to the early 50's. Always red and white metal cans, as best I can recall.

It seems I also recall that one of the makers of classic American side by sides included a small can of 3 in 1 with their new guns. But I can't remember which one(s).

Hi:

Years ago, I did a bit of research on lubricating oils and found that 3-1 oil was nothing more than a 10 weight motor oil with a scent added. I think that 2 piper has it correct.

Be well,

Franchi

Stan;
That one has the exact same side markings as my smaller one, which I assume is slightly newer than the Cole marked one. I highly suspect mine had paper labels on them but after being underground they are long gone. I have $18.50 n the pair including shipping, came from E-Bay also.

I do not collect bottles as such but have one other "Sewing Machine" oil bottle. If this link works you can see it here;

http://www.needlebar.org/cm/index.php?cat=2

My Mother oiled a 1919 Singer class 66 treadle she purchased in a pawn shop in 1935 from at least around 1940 up to about 1980 exclusively with 3-in-1, never had a problem.

The link did not work directly as hoped for. However it can still be used, Click on US; F; then Free. The picture of the bottle is about half way down the page, a most interesting bottle.

My grandma used machine oil in old Husqvarna sewing machine which smelled just like Beretta gun oil. The 3 in 1 oil costs < $3 for 3oz container. It looks like good general purpose oil lubricant.
Dziadu should be along soon to tell us all about good oils and greases.

I thought some might be interested in looking at this interesting Weed bottle so updated the link to it. The Weed Sewing Machine Co apparently began in the early 1860's & closed up shop in 1890. This bottle would thus have come from that time frame. So far have found no info on C C & T Sheppard. Anyone here happen to be from the New London CT area who may have heard of them or any history of the company.

Somewhere, I have a copy of a Baker Gun Co. ad endorsing 3-in-1 oil. I but for now...











John