Hughes Company "Christmas Tree" Oil Field Tool
A festive design to control the flow of oil
Don't expect presents under this Christmas tree, unless oil is on your wish list. Named for its resemblance to the popular evergreen, an oil field "Christmas tree" is an assembly of valves, spools, and fittings used to regulate the flow of gas or oil out of the well, release well pressure, and inject chemicals that prevent production problems like blockages. Christmas trees provide more control over when and how much a well produces, increasing its efficiency and significantly reducing blowouts and related fires.This Christmas tree was manufactured in the 1930s by the Hughes Company—originally Sharp-Hughes Tool Company—which was established in 1909 in Houston by Howard Hughes, Sr.
Lender
Railroad Commission of Texas, Austin
About
Tools
8' Height x 3' Width
ca. 1930s
Display Status
Exhibit: Texas Oil and Gas
This artifact is currently on view.
