MG08 ammo tin?

[Tony]

I picked up an old rusty ammo tin the other day and wondered if I'm correct in assuming it's a WWI period manufactured MG08 tin (I think the handles were different post war). After a bit of a clean I managed to get it open and although it's rusty outside, the original colour's still present inside.

Are these marked anywhere with a year of manufacture?

It's nothing exciting but I like it.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi,

I think the WW2 ones had a round shaped hadle, WW1 has the "U" like this one... But when they changed I do not know....

[Tony]

That's good but it's very likely they used the older type in WWII as well I reckon, no need to chuck them if they're still held in the stores. I picked this one up on the Somme the other day so could just as easily have been used WWII and left somewhere sort of dry/under cover the last 70 odd years.

I need to look for and markings on it but don't think I'll find them.

[Chip]

WWI era examples usually have a crowned inspection stamp on them. 

Chip

[Tony]

Thanks Chip. There's a weak circular mark in the recess where the handle sits but it's not clear.