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.