This item is a government issued first aid packet. I have only the cannister (no contents) but KNOW that it is historical. It appears to be made of copper and appears to have contained one dressing (with crystalline sulfanilamide). The instructions, which are stamped into the lid of the box, state: "TO OPEN, PULL TAPE, RED COLOR INDICATES BACK OF DRESSING, PUT OTHER SIDE NEXT TO WOUND." It seems to be an interesting item from American days of war.