Metal antique gunpowder tin -- label over another label?

Got this tin inexpensively at an estate sale. It's definitely seen some use.

Once home I realized there is a 2nd label underneath the top one. Is this something that was commonly done? Any ideas about this? Thanks.

 

maybe mfg didn't want to waste new old stock..?

 

Yes, could be! Wondering if the label underneath is really old? The top one is probably 1920s.

Should I try to carefully remove the top label? If yes, how?

 

it'll take a pro to get the top one off.........they were meant to stick !!!!!

 

Sometimes you can soak them or neutralize the glue but whewwwww without knowing what they printed with I would not attempt it. Well, I might but I live very dangerously... Don't be like me! Definitely expert territory.

 

with the bottom label already scratched off in the lower right corner........ it's possible that it's not whole underneath ...either !!!!

 

It depends on whether you plan to keep it in a collection of your own or sell it. I always go with allowing the potential buyer/collector to do the deed themselves.