Strange metal container

[mercuryman]

Hello,

 

recently I have aquired some equipment from WWI and WWII. Among these there was this unknown (to me) metal container.

As it came with some Italian WWI equipment, I first thought it was some kind of Italian gas mask container.

But I could not find anything similar related to gas protection equipment.

Size is 21 x 13 x 3 cm and it is painted in a very dark green, almost grey.

 

Any ideas what this is?

 

Thanks in advance!

[JMB1943]

The dimensions are very roughly those of the British water bottle, but half as deep.

It looks like it was probably worn on the body.

Some random thoughts are, Iron ration/maps etc/ fire- starting kit ???

 

Regards,

JMB

[Andrew Upton]

It looks very similar to what in British service were used to protect a folding trench lantern when not in use - however I have also seen similarly constructed boxes that were used to protect important documents and such from the elements so it might also be in that vein as well:

 

 

[mercuryman]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, it really looks similar to the lantern box. I am also thinking that it was used for documents, maps or something like that. Probably it could be even locked with a small padlock.

I still wonder who made/used it.....

[Chasemuseum]

it's too small to be an Italian polivalente gas mask tin. typically 24.5 x 16.5 x 6 cm. Also the construction is much more substantial. The Polivalente tin is surprisingly flimsy and very poorly made.

 

I would suspect that this was made to carry maps or documents. From the general appear appearance I suspect it to be German but am very uncertain.

Cheers

 

 

Italian Polivalente gas mask