Could it be a repaint ? You may be correct.
It is unused, the gasket appears new. The paint scrapes on the bottom and signs of corrosion starting show as per the attached image. There is reason to believe the container came direct from a company who resold large quantities of Canadian surplus military vehicles and parts (Levy). Did they repaint the container?
Other NOS containers from the same supplier were found in stiff paper wrap with labels, image included.
.