one of several original c. 1950's "new old stock" civil defense barrels or oversized steel drums salvaged from the roberts electric company located on morgan street in the historic fulton market district. the company originally built components used for world war-ii warplanes. the basement contained several drums with and without bright yellow lettering. the barrels were made for the office of civil defense, department of defense. the exterior and spacious interior are clean. the original rolled rim lid remains intact. measures 17 inches high x 14 1/2 inches in diameter.