These are parts of an early rocket motor of 750 lbs thrust, developed by Reaction Motors, Inc. (RMI), probably about 1943 or 1944. It was part of a project to develop JATO (Jet Assisted Take-Off) units for heavily loaded Navy aircraft during World War II. However, the motor did not become operational.
Thiokol Chemical Corporation, Reaction Motors Division, gave this engine to the Smithsonian in 1967 as part of a gift of RMI artifacts.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.