July 18Jul 18 #1 I picked up this ammo box for $20 USD today. The paint is old and worn, so it’s been this way a long time. The box body seems to be painted a silvery grayish color and has a couple of flat black tiger stripes. The top is painted flat black. Is this some civilian paint job? Has anyone seen anything like this on a military issued canvas? It actually looks kinda cool. The exciting thing about the can is that there is something rattling around inside it. It sounds fairly large and metallic. The latch is stuck so I haven’t had a chance to open it up yet. I’m doggie sitting my grand pups today and having fun with them takes priority. Don’t touch that dial! Stay tuned to find out what is in there! mikie
July 19Jul 19 #2 I don't remember seeing any painted like that specifically, but I have seen ones that were repainted before. I'm curious to see what's inside.
July 19Jul 19 #3 1 hour ago, yellowhammer history said: I don't remember seeing any painted like that specifically, but I have seen ones that were repainted before. I'm curious to see what's inside. It's probably the rest of the handle that's broken off.
July 19Jul 19 Author #4 The mystery of what was in the can is over. But the mystery of what the heck it is has taken its place. I finally opened the can and here is what was in it. I don’t know what it is. Some kind of bracket? Its silverish color is exactly like the can. It looks like it was broken off of something but I don’t see any place it could have broken off the can. I’m soooo confused😵💫. mikie
July 19Jul 19 #6 Used by some CA Guardsman in the 1970s to keep his cigarettes, matches and liquor dry.
July 19Jul 19 #7 I've seen many used for tool boxes over the years and painted. There repurposed for many uses to keep items dry. first aide kits etc.
July 20Jul 20 Author #8 21 hours ago, robinb said: It's probably the rest of the handle that's broken off. That is interesting. I looked at photos of other boxes online and sure enough, there is a handle thingee in the pictures. I dug out my only other of this type can and it does not have the handle either. Which explains why I didn’t recognize it. These are the only two I’ve ever owned so 2 out of 2 suggests they broke off fairly often. Thanks for the ID. If whoever broke it hadn’t thrown it in the box, I never would have known about it. My something new learned today. mikie
July 20Jul 20 Author #10 10 hours ago, robinb said: Only two, huh? 🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍Awesome! Well I do also have two .50 cal and a 20mm box. So 5 in total 😁. mikie
July 21Jul 21 Author #11 On 7/19/2026 at 9:00 PM, robinb said:Only two, huh? That is a neat display. I could fit my entire collection on those shelves.
Wednesday at 04:14 AM5 days #13 Kind of hard to get them all in one picture. But you get the idea. This is all WW2 stuff. Ammo boxes, various other chests, mostly ordnance related.
Wednesday at 04:01 PM4 days Author #14 11 hours ago, robinb said:Kind of hard to get them all in one picture. But you get the idea. This is all WW2 stuff. Ammo boxes, various other chests, mostly ordnance related.Holy smokes! That is all way cool! Mikie
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