This is a 'quart' size tin upon the front of which is printed: 'US Navy Bureau of Ordnance - Hand Projector & Cartridge Container - Contents: 1 Hand Projector Mark 3-12 Very Signal Cartridges Mk. 2 - 4-red. 4-Green, 4-White - For Use with "Abandon Ship" Outfit.' In other words, this was an item kept on the Life Boats of US Navy vessels. I believe this dates to World War Two. This has never been opened. This measures 4 1/2 in. across by 6 1/2 in. high. From what I can gather this is a Very Rare item and extremely unusual to find in the tin.