This Wakefield Castrol oil pourer is an excellent example of early British motoring equipment and advertising, representing one of the most famous names in motor lubrication history. Bearing the distinctive Wakefield Castrol branding, it reflects the pioneering spirit of the company that helped shape the modern motor oil industry.

Product Details

• Brand: Wakefield Castrol Motor Oil

• Product: Oil pourer

• Type: Tin pourer for engine lubrication

• Period: Circa 1920s–1930s

• Material: Tin with painted branding

• Colour: Olive green body with red and gold lettering

• Manufacturer: C. C. Wakefield & Co. Ltd., London, England

• Capacity: 1 pint

• Condition: Very good original condition with age-related wear, patina, and surface oxidation; graphics remain legible and authentic

Historical Background

The name Wakefield Castrol comes from Charles Cheers Wakefield, who founded C. C. Wakefield & Company in London in 1899. Originally dealing in lubricants for trains and heavy machinery, Wakefield quickly recognised the potential of the rapidly growing automobile and aviation industries.

In 1909, his company introduced a new line of motor oil that combined castor oil with conventional mineral oils, creating a superior lubricant for the high-speed engines of the time. This blend inspired the product’s name: Castrol. It quickly became a household word among motorists and aviators for its quality, performance, and reliability.

Castrol oils powered some of the most significant early motoring achievements, including record-breaking land speed attempts and aviation milestones. The brand was heavily associated with motorsport and endurance events, earning a reputation for innovation and engineering excellence.

During the 1920s and 1930s, Wakefield Castrol became one of the most recognised names in motoring. Advertising materials, including tin pourers like this one, were supplied to garages and service stations across Britain. Mechanics used these pourers daily to refill vehicles directly from bulk drums, long before disposable packaging became the norm.

Design and Features

The pourer’s conical shape and long spout are characteristic of British garage equipment from the interwar period. Constructed from sturdy tin, it features a riveted handle for durability and ease of use. The paintwork displays the Wakefield Castrol logo in red script across a green background, bordered by gold lettering.

The “1 Pint” marking indicates that this pourer was designed for small, precise oil refills — typically for topping up an engine rather than performing a full oil change. The use of the “Wakefield” name alongside “Castrol” dates this example to the period before 1960, when the company officially rebranded as Castrol Ltd.

The motto and typography exude early 20th-century industrial charm, combining practicality with strong brand visibility. Its simplicity and functionality mirror the working environment of garages of the era.

Collectibility

Wakefield Castrol items are among the most sought-after pieces of petroliana, prized for their connection to one of the world’s oldest and most respected motor oil brands. Pourers like this one, especially with clear lettering and original paint, are highly desirable to collectors.

They represent the early days of motoring — a time when maintenance was hands-on and branding was as much about trust as it was about visibility. Each pourer is a tangible link to Britain’s motoring heritage and to the everyday life of the garage tradesman.

Summary

• Original Wakefield Castrol Motor Oil pourer

• Produced circa 1920s–1930s

• Tin construction with painted branding in green, red, and gold

• Features 1-pint capacity marking and classic Wakefield logo

• Excellent survivor with authentic patina and clear graphics

• A rare and collectible item from one of Britain’s most iconic oil brands

This Wakefield Castrol pourer stands as a genuine artefact from the golden age of motoring, reflecting the heritage of a company that helped define automotive lubrication and remains a trusted name in the industry to this day.