Failing Garbology 101, I stayed away from the subject also. We had very similar cans as these in our garage/workshop when I was a kid, where my father picked them up I have no idea. I remember at least one also had a locking lid, and they were quite durable. I would venture a guess early to mid 20th century. I have also seen this style, without the hinged lid, in aluminum (?) or some light alloy.
Not much help I know, but they caught my eye due to their looking familiar.