Gas Pump Nozzle History

 

The information within this piece is about gas pump nozzles and some of the companies that made them.

So we all know the way that a nozzle works and the design isn’t much different then when they were first designed. There are a few different styles however; there’s the normal style we still use at the pump, there are large farm and industrial size ones, and there are some that look like bananas.

Some even made their own nozzles for their pumps. There are rare ones and common ones, just like any other collectibles. The most desired ones are the Tokheim Roller nozzles which are very rare and interesting. These were given the part number 850. Tokheim nozzles usually have the word "Tokheim" embossed on the nozzle or a "Tokheim" decal on the cap like this chrome one. Some Tokheim nozzles have the word "SmoothFlo" embossed on the side as well.

Many of the early nozzles used brass as their material to make the nozzles. As time went on and many things where starting to get more cost effective and less quality, different metals where used like aluminum. The most desired ones to collectors are brass because they are not easy to find and were built to last longer than the cars that were being filled by them. I don’t have many nozzles in my collection but there are a few people I know who have nozzles as a big part of their collections. I think that many of the collectors that have these in their collection are ones that have been restoring pumps since before everyone else did.

When you see the pictures of times past and one happens to be of a gas station and an attendant pumping, take a look at the nozzle if you can and look at the craftsmanship in the nozzle. These were made in casts and some of the original casts are still around. If you’re lucky enough to find one, that’s a true gem in my book. Nozzle casts were meant to be disposable and be destroyed even after they were done using them so no one could copy there designs or ideas.

I hope you have enjoyed this article and will be anticipating the one for next month. As always, I’m looking to expand my collection, so if you have anything let me know, or if you need help on values I can give my best idea. Until next time, “Think positive, think Pizzo’s Petroliana!”