Found this the other day and it followed me home. Yes, that appears to be an aluminium tote.
I picked up a Stanley No.5 with an aluminum tote some time ago and found that it was a replacement item. Was discussed on the plane thread.
Hello, Peter. The handle could be a replacement, Stanley sold those individually. The aluminum totes were also popular in school wood shops. less likely to break!! Regards,Lou
From what I understand, the aluminum totes were mainly marketed to school districts, sold to prevent damage by the kids.