Tracer canister?

Hi,

I have found this little canister containing traces of red phosphorus. Does anyone have any idea what it was used for?
The dimensions are: length: 6,7cm and diameter: 2,1cm
I was thinking about the compartment in a shell which has a tracer filling, like shown on this website: http://www.passioncompassion1418.com/decouvertes/english_fusees_munitions.html#speciaux at the part about "Tracer, lighting and incendiary shells".
I was hoping anyone could help me identify this piece.

Kind regards,

Mark

 

could it be a U.S. late war 20 mm phosphor shell?

 

Thanks for moving my post to the right section.
I have searched for that on google but can't find something similar. Do you happen to have an example picture?

 

I think you have a distress flare for a Very Pistol. If you scroll through the link below you'll see a number of different types and I noted that one version is 10 Gauge (19.69mm) in diameter - perhaps closer to 21 mm with corrosion as seen in your photo.

http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/equipment-field-gear/wwii-u-s-m73-distress-flare-402764/

 

20 mm is the usual diameter for flares from Germany, UK and France too .

 

A better link showing more types of flares.

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/3640-pyrotechnic-signal-pistols-and-cartridges/

 

Very cool website Mark.

Nicely done! Now added to my references list.

 

Thanks for all the input! Is there a way to tell from which country it belonged to?

Yes, I found that site while doing research for my object. That website is really detailed and interesting to read!