I need to make four oilers in the style of the 1890s. Oil is put in them and trickles down a wick that is inside. There is no sample to copy from. They used to be made from cast iron or cast brass. I've used a standard rectangular steel tube and made a brass cap and hinge:
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old oiler is on the right and the one I made today on the left. I'll paint all the steel black. A steel plate will be welded on the bottom. After welding, I'll attach the steel part of the hinge with copper rivets.I don't image it will go rusty since it's indoors and is going to be full of oil! I was going to make it all out of steel but I think this looks better. Brazing five brass plates together and making them oil proof is not yet within my capabliity.