Does anyone know what this is?

[pickapaper]

My husband bought two of these at a sale.  There are NO markings of any kind on them.   The canister part is 24 in long x 4 in diameter.  It has a solid divider in the center of the canister so it is divided into two parts.  One end opens, the other end is solid with 3 holes and you get into that half with a side opening with a spring-loaded door.   There is a tubular thing on the outside that is open on one end.    We've showed it to several people and no one has ever seen one before.  

[ittybitnot]

@downunder-61 

May I recommend that you search Google for AUSTRALIAN Rocket Launcher?  

[t-bone543]

Ok, two different people on two different forums (non connected to eBay) identified it as an old canister used by railroad lineman to carry flares, flags and matches. Both identifiers are railroad employees. 

[evry1nositswindy]

I would have bought them too.  They have a great look.  In fact, they look like light sabers to me!!  How heavy are they?

[gracieallen01]

How about a fly rod holder/traveling carrier?

[downunder-61]

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@ittybitnot wrote:

@downunder-61 

May I recommend that you search Google for AUSTRALIAN Rocket Launcher?  

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Oh dear........ 

[pjcdn2005]

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@t-bone543 wrote:

Ok, two different people on two different forums (non connected to eBay) identified it as an old canister used by railroad lineman to carry flares, flags and matches. Both identifiers are railroad employees. 

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I think they got it!

https://www.icollector.com/Vintage-Metal-Railroad-Flag-Flare-Canister_i30413504

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-pennsylvania-railroad-signal-1482001878

[annadryl]

My first thought was a map holder, but I can't explain the divider in the middle. It has a definite purpose whatever it is.

After someone mentioned rocket launcher, my first thought was if I tried to carry that around my town the cops would have me surrounded in under sixty seconds!

*ETA* fishing rod holder was a good suggestion.

[chapeau-noir]

Geez - some of the best stuff you can find is something you don't know what the heck it is, but it's sure cool looking.  Those are great, and it was really fun reading along while people unravel the mystery!  One of the best parts of this - the treasure hunt.

[johnrj1226]

Good guess, that was my initial thought but  on further examination a fly rod holder  would have  foam type padding a on the inside of including  end cap to prevent  rattling, with  compartment  dividers - 1  for  each rod section, no holes and   - they are typically designed for 10' - two section rod or 9'  rods  with  3 or 4 sections.  Some have  a flexible reel / fly  holder compartment attached..to the out side

[gracieallen01]

Yeah, we didn't have those fancy one, or we couldn't afford them, when I was a kid so we made due without and you  know, some things never change for some of us.  Oh well, that was then, this is now.  😀

[meme6253]

It Looks to be a Military Item, But What Exactly I don't know,Maybe take it to an Army Surplus Store

[t-bone543]

I found  some photos of vintage railroad canisters. Obviously, these are older versions, but they do seem to share the main characteristics. The first one is actually from an eBay listing (item # 164822154514). Maybe the OP can reach out to that seller to get verification.

[simply-the-best-for-you]

Just chiming in to mention that there's a really cool subreddit called Whatisthisthing  that is perfect for these types of queries.  It's really fun & educational & they have a system for rating when things are solved.  Just a warning though for those of you who get sucked into these, it can be a real rabbit hole!  It can also make you feel old when some GenZ'r posts cufflinks & can't figure out what on earth they are.   But, I've actually learned a lot from it.  Not sure if I'm allowed to post a link, so I'll refrain. 

[johnrj1226]

I post links all the time.  As long as the  meet eBay's standards.  If they don't the monitors will send you a shame on you nasty gram.  Get too many your out.

[simply-the-best-for-you]

Thanks @johnrj1226  I checked the rules & it looks like the only restrictions are for advertising your own wares & or soliciting others to sell off Ebay.   Reddit isn't a listing site, so this s/b okay.   It's an amazingly fun subreddit, but don't way you weren't warned about the rabbit hole factor.  It's as bad as YT.  

https://www.reddit.com/r/whatisthisthing/