It had two uses if my memory is correct……

35mm film, and stash...

I still have a couple around, from film of course.

Got several around here somewhere.

Either 35 mm film or had the Anti Fog cloth in it to wipe off glasses and binoculars and scopes.

Made turkey calls out of them.

35mm film cannister

I use some of the later plastic ones for various things

Have one I keep with me when I am deer hunting that is full of milkweed down to check wind
Good for keeping various small things

Have also seen them used to make calls out of

Salt and pepper shakers,,, lol

Don't have any of old metal ones got box full of plastic on my reloading bench. Used them for many things over years. Had some with holes in lid kept extra broads head in . Stuffed full of flagging with hole to pull it threw was handy in back pack. Did lots of powder or shot load when working on steel shot loads.
Very handy.

Mac

Use to keep greased patches for my muzzleloader in old film canisters

I believe Alf there is using his for cat bait

Manufacturers of 8 ball canisters , moved from metal in the 60's and 70's to plastic during the Alf years ( 80's)

Tv dinners?

Is that the mowhawk brand Limburger cheese spread ? Yummmmm

Is that a de-seeding chopping tray that can is sitting on? Looks a little on the crumby side...
Peace brother, and stay groovy man.

snuff can

.... stem and stump removal too ?

Don’t people leave those in the ditch at a certain mile marker so on the return trip they have something to look forward to?