An original admiralty four gallon steel rum kettle or also known as a Mess fanny dating to around the 1950's. 
The official name given in the Admiralty Victualling Manual, is 'Mess Kettle', however the term 'fanny' was used in the R.N with most recepticles.
Mess Kettles were used for a variety of tasks in the RN, the ones used for the rum issue being known to 'Jack' as 'Rum Fannies'.
With makers plate 'ORME EVANS & Co LD. ROYAL NAVY MESS No. _____. WOLVERHAMPTON'. and swing handle to the top.
We do not see many of these around anymore, especially not in this condition.
Beautifully made and measures 28cm high, 42cm with handle, 38cm wide and 24cm deep. It weighs approx 5.5kg.