Antique Seed Salesman Sample Kit Vintage Central Petroleum Company Cleveland, Oh For Sale

An unusual and fascinating piece of early American agricultural and advertising history!

Offered is an antique Central Petroleum Company (Cen-Pe-Co) salesman's sample kit, originally designed to display petroleum and lubricant samples. The folding carrying case bears the original gold-lettered CENTRAL PETROLEUM CO. – CLEVELAND, OHIO identification.

What makes this example especially interesting is that the original glass sample vials were apparently repurposed to hold a collection of agricultural seeds, including various varieties of corn, millet, sorghum, and other grains.

Many of the glass tubes retain their original cork stoppers and aged handwritten identification labels, giving the collection wonderful historical character.

Features:

• Original Central Petroleum Company advertising case

• Black textured exterior with burgundy interior

• Approximately 15 glass sample vials containing assorted seeds and grains

• Handwritten vintage seed identification labels

• Original cork stoppers and metal-trimmed glass tubes

• Folding presentation case with elastic retaining straps

• An unusual combination of petroleum advertising and agricultural condition with age-related wear. The case exhibits edge wear, deterioration and tearing of the original retaining straps, and general handling wear. Some labels are faded or partially obscured. Glass vials and contents appear largely intact, although individual pieces have not been removed or examined.

  Please carefully review all photographs for condition, completeness, and details.

  Historical Interest:

  Central Petroleum Company was established in 1911 and became known for marketing lubricants to farmers and agricultural equipment operators. This kit appears to have enjoyed a second life as a portable seed sample collection.

  An interesting survivor for collectors of antique advertising, agricultural memorabilia, seed catalogs and displays, early salesman's samples, and general Americana.

  Sold as a historical collectible only. Seeds are not intended for planting or consumption.

  Carefully packaged for shipment.