We have never seen such a canister / jerrican before, its dimensions are

15-3/4 x 13-3/4 x 8 inches or 400 x 350 x 200mm

The size is a lot different than the dimensions of the standard Jerricans! It has the typical German World War Two cam lock which was adapted by the British army after they captured a couple German jerricans (that's where the name comes from: "Jerri" for German and can) and copied the design. Usually the cam lock was straight but on this item it is turned sideways! Also the handle looks a lot different than on the common German Jerrican. The cam lock is rusted on and also has a couple rusted through spots, the canister still has some of its original tan color shining through the surface rust. This is exactly the color which has been used in Rommels Afrikakorps. We could not find any maker marks or DAK markings on it but we are positive that this rare item was used in the North African cam-paign 1941 - 1943. This rare find will make a great display item!