U.S. WWII M1 Ammunition Can for .30 Caliber Cartridges

This is a World War II-era U.S. Military M1 ammunition can, designed to hold 250 cartridges of .30 caliber linked ammunition. The item is constructed from heavy-gauge pressed steel with a rectangular body and a hinged, gasketed lid designed for watertight storage. It features its original olive drab (OD) paint finish, which serves as a base for the yellow stenciled text on the side. The text clearly identifies the contents as '250 CARTRIDGES CAL .30 LINKED BALL M2' followed by the lot number 'LOT SL L-9777'. The 'SL' prefix indicates production by the St. Louis Ordnance Plant. Physically, the can exhibits signs of significant age and field use, including surface oxidation (rust) appearing along the top seams and lid edges, numerous scuffs, and minor pitting in the metal. The rubber seal inside the lid, crucial for its original waterproof function, likely shows hardening or degradation given the era. The hardware includes a side-latching mechanism and a top carrying handle. This specific marking style and construction are characteristic of mid-to-late WWII American military equipment, making it a staple piece of field gear from that period.