I have checked all my ration related historical records, specifications of individual rations from 1940 to the introduction of the MRE, of which I have a very respectable library of now.
Nowhere is this canned accessory item mentioned. There is a vague reference in the Wiki article on C rations to the earliest, pre 1941 test models that mentions a canned accessory item, but was abandoned quickly due to weight and volume issues.
As early as 1941 accessory items packaged in Kraft foil or brown butchers paper seems to be the only accessory package material ever used.
It cant be a 5 in 1 or 10 in 1 item, because there is no record of any metal accessory packaging used in these group rations, and anyway it is obviously an accessory unit for a single ration due to the size of the can.
It is inconcievable that this is some kind of "emergency packaging solution" forced by some shortage of materials in the US packaging industry in 1951 -2. This is industrial U.S.A at its 50s peak
And it would flatly break the soldiers and QM desire for lightness and portability in the C series of rations. Finally these C4, C5, RCI rations were very specifically packed! Just no room for an extra can. The accessory packs were always put on top or between the M and B units.
Im still looking, but my hunch is you have something very rare here. Maybe some unrecorded specification sub component which was made in some number but for only a very short time?
Simon
. It is not a “packet”, it is a “can” with DoP 1951. I guess it was content of “Ration, Combat, Individual”. In my opinion it is the fanciest type of Accessory Packet. I searched a long time for it and now it is part of my collection, in very great condition, no rust, no bumps, only some minor scratches 
), here the SPOON belongs to the contents 
