Help Identify Old Ammo Can

[Varmintpopper]

Can You I.D. this old ammo can ?
Stenciled on the front of the can is the following : MACH RIFLE AMM. CHEST M 1. D 3920
It appears there were three compartments when manufactured, but the dividers have been removed. The Hinge and all rivets are made of brass, The Handle strap is of Leather, paint
is Olive Drab color and appears to be original.

Good Shooting
Lindy

[Dan Shapiro]

It was designed/adopted in the 1930's to carry 15 BAR magazines. FYI, early BAR's were referred to as 'machine rifles'.

http://browningmgs.com/AmmoCans/T-Chial/AmmoBoxes01_WW2.htm

[Varmintpopper]

TY Dan Shapiro,I was confident that someone would know , and thanks also for the link. Interesting !

Good shooting

Lindy

[George in NH]

Is it not possible that the box is for the Model 1909 Benet Mercier "Machine Rifle"? Not at home right now so I cannot look up the info in "America's Rock" by Lt. James Ballou.
George in NH

[emmagee1917]

Yes , it is not possible. Dan is spot on. I have three of this series of cans , all slightly different. They are for the M1919 series of MGs and made to hold 300 rds of belted ammo . I don't know if it was 3 100rd belts ( seen / have some ) or 2 150rd or a single 300 rd'er ( never seen neither ) . They were between wars manufacture and made for pack use . The 4 front / 4 rear holes in this one is for 2 wooden blocks which split the compartment into thirds , each holding 5 20rd BAR mags , for 15 mags / 300 rds total. Lots of pics , samples , and manuals to confirm all this.
Chris