I wonder if these cans are empty or full. On the youger guys head there appears to be 24 can. Their size suggest a gallon capacity in each at 10 lbs per gallon so 240 lbs if full! Move over Arnie Schwarz
I am led to believe that the cans are empty because the caps are off. Cooking oil is(was) usually sold in these types of cans, hence the caps are at the corner for ease of pouring the liquid out. Similar 'general purpose' cans exist(ed) that have(had) a larger opening in the center with a resealable cap. Anyway, these guys can carry a lot of weight (literally).