A unitary hinged connector (40) connects a metal container lid (32) and a metal container bottom (34) to form a hinged container (30). The metal lid (32) and bottom (34) have matching formed edges (46, 52) which may be identical in shape or interfitting. The hinged connector (40) is formed of molded thermoplastic and includes a ring member (54), a swingable partial segment (56), and an integrally formed hinge (58) joining the ring member (54) and the partial segment (56). The ring member (54), which is substantially continuous about the periphery, is normally attached to the formed edge of the container bottom (52), and has an upper seat (62) for engaging less than all sides of the formed edge (46) of the lid (32) when the container is closed, leaving the hinge side of the formed edge free. The swingable partial segment securely grips at least the hinge side of the formed edge of the lid. The hinge is positioned to close the container in a normal condition and allow the container lid to pivot about the hinge to open the container.