It looks like someone was inspired by the design of a tincan, trying to save on metal while at the same time improving strength.
I just saw a writeup in Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine (the free online one) about boxcar ends and this one was mentioned. Pretty wild.
A search of Van Dorn bulls eye boxcars turned up some interesting information. Due to the damage suffered in various mishaps they were looking for a replacement for the composite wood/steel and all wood structural components. Several variations on the waffle ends came out around the same timeframe both horizontal and vertical. It seems that the horizontal turned out to be the most ding resistant resulting in the evolution of the rib designs seen later . While that tin can end would have been stronger it still could be depressed just like one can depress the bottom of a tin can.
I remember the car ends we'd receive. Loads in gondolas, seems like usually in two pieces. They be placed into a jig, welded and then off to the car line.
Dave, it's in the October 2014 issue of MRH, beginning on page 92. Here's the link to the MRH back issues page, you can scroll down for it. There are several ways to download that issue or you can read it online. Hope this helps. Ted