Rauville posted a link on the other thread,, scroll down to page 32 for info and pic of this cannister !!

Thanks for all the help! Wow that is so interesting. I knew it was probably pretty old so I saved it. My husband brought it home one day a few years ago from work. He was in the construction business (retired).It was of course exposed to the elements. Illinois. Know a lot of men from Illinois were sent to fight. Thanks again for the help with this. If it is indeed what we think it is, what to do with it!

Lets see what the consensus is first !! From what was said I am sure not many of these still are in circulation among civil war collectors !!

http://www.antique-shop.com/forums/index.php?topic=19185.0

Here is the link to the thread on the other forum !! I think you should read all the way to the bottom thread by talesofthesevenseas !! You may have a very good find !!
Where did you get this item ??

The handle is what is so unusual about this container !! Can you take a pic looking at the pour type handle !! I have looked through several sites with civil war artifacts but nothing matches this !! We are wondering if the handle is a later addition or added for some reason !!
Seems small for a shell/ammo box !!