Basement junk, workshop odds-and-ends, and seemingly useless clutter may not be so useless after all. Amongst the loot could be a vintage bottle or can that will make someone a winner in 3-IN-ONE Oil's Search for the Oldest Can.

Created in 1894, 3-IN-ONE Oil has seen its can of oil "morph" throughout its 106-year history—from a glass bottle in the late 19th century, to the familiar red and white tin can around World War II, to the recent introduction of a high-tech plastic Telescoping Spout.

WD-40 Company, manufacturer of 3-IN-ONE Oil, is calling on consumers to ransack their homes for the oldest can or bottle of 3-IN-ONE Oil they can find. The winner of the contest—that is, the person whose bottle is deemed the oldest—will receive a $1,000 cash reward and a Dremel prize package that includes a Dremel Professional Tool, Right Angle Attachment, Auto/Cycle Repair Kit and Home Improvement Kit. The second place winner will receive a Dremel MultiPro Kit and Right Angle Attachment, while third place will receive a Dremel MultiPro Kit.

"A brand that’s 106 years old carries a significant amount of consumer nostalgia," said Wanda Griffin, associate brand manager for WD-40 Company. "We’re hoping people search their workshops, basements and garages for vintage bottles and cans, and recall why 3-IN-ONE Oil has been a household favorite since 1894."

Developed originally for use on bicycles, the product was designed to lubricate, clean, and prevent rust—three functions which led to its name. Now people use the product on virtually everything that moves, from exercise equipment and skateboard bearings to machinery and hinges. The recently-introduced Telescoping Spout delivery system features a five-inch extendable spout designed to get at hard-to-reach places.

Entrants are asked to mail a color photo of the can and estimate the year they believe it was made. A brief story behind the can is encouraged, but will not affect the judging. Finalists who are believed to have some of the oldest containers will be asked to send in their original can or bottle for the final judging.

The San Diego Antique Bottles and Collectibles Club will determine the winner. The club, a charter member of the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors, was formed by collectors throughout San Diego County in 1965 and is one of the oldest in the United States.

For official rules and information on how to enter, consumers can call 1-888-222-9340, or 619-497-5384 in San Diego, or access the 3-IN-ONE section of WD-40 Company's Web site at www.wd40.com.

The Search for the Oldest Can contest is open to legal U.S. residents (except Florida and Puerto Rico) and Canada (except Quebec province) 18 years of age and older, and requires no purchase to enter.

Entries must be postmarked by June 14, 2001. Entrants should type their name, address, phone number, approximate age of can, and e-mail address (if applicable), along with their personal story (optional) no more than 100 words about the can and its history. Entries must be sent to 3-IN-ONE "SEARCH FOR THE OLDEST CAN" P.O. Box 880464, San Diego, CA 92168-0464. One entry per person. Finalists will be notified and asked to send their empty original can or bottle by July 14, 2001. 3-IN-ONE Oil is available at leading retailers nationwide. Additional information about WD-40 Company and its brands may be obtained on the worldwide web at www.wd40.com.

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