It appears to be motor oil. See http://www.iowagas.com/auct_99.html
A web search brought up numerous collector sites that mention it.
Silas Hurry
HSMC
> Histarchers,
>
> We are working on a 1920s-1930s site associated with a logging company
> cookhouse that has a number of GARGOYLE brand cans. Any info on the
company> ,
> what the cans contained (cooking oil?) and dates would be much appreciated.
>
> Most of the cans are 5 ¼ inches square x 9 ½ inches tall, have sanitary
> seams
> and a 1 ½ inch diameter, 1 inch tall threaded spout. The top of the can
i> s
> stamped with the following:
>
> REFUSE IF INNER SEAL BEARING/IS MISSING/OR BROKEN" in one corner.
> In the corner diagonally across from this is GARGOYLE/picture of a
gargoyle/>
> TRADEMARK
> and in a third corner NET CONTENTS ONE GALLON
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> Mary Maniery
>
------------------------------------------------------------------
This email message was sent using web-based email services provided by Chesapeake.Net
Internet Services.
http://www.chesapeake.net/