help with this naval(?) canester

[b-m-n_animal]

HI all

I came across this today in a local dealer's shop but dont have a clue as to what it is. the dealer has it down as a flare case with handle. the paint is more grey then green in the flesh which makes me think it's naval . Any ideas?????
sorry the photos arn't the best but I only had the camera on my phone with me.
I know the name plate on the front has PAT 375572*8* accross the top and Tokyo Iwata on the bottom, the two inner flaps and sprung loaded. there are two nipples at the bottom that have spring loaded centers and the case measure approx 12 inches top to bottom when closed.

thanks in advance Paul

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[GHP]

Emergency Portable Signal??

I've toyed with the lighting on the data plate, but this is the best I can do:

O信号携O亟

二号型

[?] Signal Portable [?] Urgent
2nd Model

Note: the term shingô also can mean "traffic lights; signal; semaphore" according to the dictionary. In daily use nowadays, "shingô" is a traffic light.


--Guy

[b-m-n_animal]

HI Guy

Thanks for the information. so it seems most likly to be a form of signal flare container. I'll have another look on google. I'm assuming it's pre war as it has english on it as well.

Paul

[b-m-n_animal]

Nobody else out there have a thought on this?
Or even have one?????
Is it even Japanese navy????

Paul

[Nick Komiya]

A better, legible photo of the plate will solve the problem.