Abstract: A plastic encased metal barrel has annular stack edges of plastic, which axially project beyond the barrel bottom and top. The top and bottom stack edges form annular noses which project axially. The diameters of the annular noses are so related to one another that the annular nose on one stack edge can grip over the annular nose on the other stack edge. The top and bottom barrel ends are preferably arcuate and one end carries a bung socket. The outer coating or shell of plastic is preferably foam. The bung socket is surrounded by a reinforcing sheet metal plate enveloped by the plastic. The plastic coat forms a substantially plane surface which surrounds the bung socket and serves as an inscription field, wherein the inscription is formed at least in part by indentations in the plastic mass.