This is a tin canister that is about 10 inches tall. It has a metal lid with a handle in it to get to the fire retardant. The Directions on the front of the canister says to throw with force by handful into base of flame. I have never opened the canister, but it feels full or nearly full of whatever powder is in it. In its day it cost $3.00 which is part of the script on the canister. It says the factory is at 373 Linden Street, Allentown Pennsylvania USA. I don't know what to clean the metal with in order to not remove the writing and printing, but it needs to be cleaned. It is certainly a conversation piece. It does not specify what the actual contents of the canister are composed of. The outside diameter is almost 2 inches. We must collect 6% Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax at checkout. Thanks for stopping by!