To Peter Bell and other HISTARCHERS interested in steel drums. Since I have seen no response from certified experts to Peter Bell's query about steel drums, I'm offering a semi-expert response (hoping this doesn't violate SOPA/ROPA standards). My family has been in the drum business since the late 40's, although I, the black sheep, ended up in academia. Peter Bell (from Australia) asked: Can anyone suggest sources of information on the history of fuel oil containers? There is a fairly detailed history that covers the U.S. drum industry and may be useful for Australia as well. [Although I have never seen this book, I am told that it attributes the invention of the steel drum to none other than Nellie Bly, the turn-of-the-century newspaper reporter and feminist, who first became a celebrity when she bested Jules Verne's fictional 80-day round-the-world trip by about 8 days.] The history book is entitled "55 Gallon," which refers to the most common standard size for U.S. drums (1 U.S. gal. approx.= 0.83 Imperial gal.) It is published by the Association of Container Reconditioners and they would probably be happy to send you a copy. [As their name implies, "reconditioners" are companies that prepare drums for re-use after each trip -- they clean them, smooth out the dents, remove the paint, repair leaks, re-paint them, and re-sell them to shippers.] The address: Attn: Joan or Marriane Assoc. of Container Reconditioners 8401 Corporate Drive, Suite 140 Landover, MD 20785-2224 There is also an association of new-drum manufacturers, which may also have prepared a history or, at least, would have relevant information. Direct your inquiry to: Attn: David Core Steel Shipping Container Institute 1101 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20005 Hope this helps. BYE--FJK