Soviet Maxim 1910 ammo can, repair?

I wondered if anyone else has seen Soviet ammo tins for the 1910 Maxim repaired in a similar manner to this one? Each side of the can has a strip of steel tack welded to the top. I don't know if this extra metal is to stop the top of the tin from flexing as much or to cover some rust holes? I can't see any signs of rust holes/damage on the inside of the can but I don't wish to scrape away the paint to look properly. Thanks for looking and for any information.