I am not sure what the original use was, there are no others like it on ebay.  Neat old advertising and colors.  The only reason something like this would have survived until now is because somebody liked it as a collectible.  The vast majority of these would have been discarded long ago once they were used up.   I have never seen another one like it.

Check out two other similar batteries I have listed when you have a chance.  Save on combined shipping.

Being sold as found.

Good luck!