Dipster:
I am not that old (knocking 70) but I do remember my dad having such pumps in the garage when I was a kiddo. Fuel was pumped, by hand, up into the glass measure and then versed into the vehicle’s tank. In truth it was not used much but it was still there! I remember, too lots of Pratts brand 2 gallon steel petrol cans with nice brass screw tops being there. All happy memories for me.
Good guess on my part then Dipster !!.. 
…those were everyday items you mentioned, bet they’d be worth a shilling or two today. I have, and use, one of those 2 gallon cans, with its polished brass cap, got the TVO mix in it, sits on the back of the topper ready to top up the Fergie when she’s cutting the field, saves struggling with a plastic 25 litre drum, looks better too… 