Shell Petrol Can Find

[rob love]

Also, it would likely be for civilian use in the 20s and 30s. As such, the colors would be red/yellow...a google search shows some in a dark grey with red highlights.

As to model paint, personally I would go with something like the Gillespie military paint in a spray can if need be. I'm not sure the effectiveness of paints meant for plastics on a metal container.