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enter image description hereHello. I found this aluminum container in a recycling bin. It is about 8 inches tall and 5 inches wide at the bottom.

Someone told me its called a growler and was used to take home beer from a bar, but I don't know if that's accurate.

Thanks!

Walter
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    Are you sure it’s for alcohol? Looks like a milk container to me. – Eric S Jan 15 '21 at 15:08
  • For instance https://www.ebay.com/itm/100-Yr-Old-Arden-SLC-Vintage-Milk-Can-Jug-Rare/192991228550?hash=item2cef2c7286:g:YcgAAOSwoyhdKqLJ – Eric S Jan 15 '21 at 15:09
  • Are you sure it's aluminum? It looks a little rusty just under the lid (but perhaps it's only dirt). – Ray Butterworth Jan 16 '21 at 04:49
  • Definitely aluminum due to the low weight, but the main handle systems to be steel. Aluminum does tarnish, but it looks more whiteish. – Walter Jan 16 '21 at 10:22

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I suspect it is a vintage milk jug if you picture search on Google "vintage aluminum milk jug" you'll get a lot of similar hits. Every growler I've seen has been glass although I'm no expert.

Eric S
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  • I think you hit the nail on the head, Eric. It does indeed look like a milk jug. Absoulutely no odor or residue in it though. – Walter Jan 15 '21 at 22:33
  • Well, yours is a good looking one and I think they have some value on eBay. – Eric S Jan 15 '21 at 23:23
  • Old milk cans were much larger though, up to 25 gallons. Newer cans were smaller, but still at least 5 or 10 gallons. See How to Date Old Milk Cans | LoveToKnow. Growlers are typically 64 fluid ounces, which is about the size of the pictured can. – Ray Butterworth Jan 16 '21 at 01:31
  • @RayButterworth I’m not an expert, but I think milk jugs come in various sizes. Never seen a growler look anything like what the OP pictured. Not in a Google image search either. – Eric S Jan 16 '21 at 02:06
  • @RayButterworth Also, I doubt you’d design a growler with a wide lid since it would make containing the pressure much harder. – Eric S Jan 17 '21 at 21:43
  • "In the late 1800s, fresh beer was carried from the local pub to home by a small, galvanized pail. The term “growler” is rumored to come about when the beer sloshed around the pail; it created a rumbling sound as the CO2 escaped through the lid." — Growler History. In particular see the first photo from the 1800s. Unlike modern growlers, they were intended for transporting draft home to have with dinner, not for storage. – Ray Butterworth Jan 17 '21 at 22:32
  • To me it looks like a sealed lid. A sealed lid of that diameter times the pressure of beer could be dangerous. As I said, I’m just guessing. – Eric S Jan 17 '21 at 22:45
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Does anyone know what this vintage aluminum container was called and used for?

Personally, I believe it to be an old milk jug!

Having milked cows back in the days gone by, I am sure this is a milk jug.

This eBay site demonstrates where I am going.

Ken Graham
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