original and hard to find c. 1920's-1930's heavy gauge steel 7-bottle cooler manufactured by the universal container company. the cylindrical caddy or canister has an attached lid with handle and insert guides for placing bottles. the manufacturer's name is stamped in the top "universal container co", and at the center "oled, oh". the entire piece has been brushed down to bare meta and sealed with a clear coat lacquer. side seams evidence manufacture by soldering two halves together, with a rolled rim at bottom soldered to hold the base piece. crudities are typical of age and date of manufacture, including rust along the interior, and some corrosion along the bottom. these carriers were likely used as coolers, either for recreational use (i.e. picnics), or by door to door salesmen who would reserve the middle bottle as a sample beverage. eventually they were replaced by the newer lightweight wood or tin tray carriers, as most metals became precious during the war years. measures 8 inches in diameter x 11 inches high.