High Sierra Topix

My partner and I recently did a traverse on a granite ridge from the Palisade Glacier cirque over to Sam Mack Lake. On the way, we came across an old-looking wooden box. It was empty except for some battered plastic bags and paper scraps (maybe someone tried to leave a message?) which we decided to pack out. Curious if anyone has any idea what it could be? Apologies for the bad photo!

I would guess (and it's just a guess) that it's a miner's toolbox. Might not be any mines in the area, but maybe it fell off a mule or something.