Copper hanging vessel ? Water ?

I have this copper vessel . It's about 8 1/4 " tall . It's hinged and meant for hanging . Maybe for a Hearth and boiling water ? Any ideas ? THANKS !

 

I think it's a well-bucket. Made so it must tip & fill when lowered to the surface. Iron fittings, including the rim-ring.
A very nice piece of handiwork!

 

Thanks for the reply !
How do I clean it ? Brillo pad ? One of the green 3m Scrubbies ? What's the best way ?

 

The copper part is relatively straightforward; the iron will be much more difficult. My recommendation is to leave it as is. Aged patina on both metals is appropriate, to be expected, an' adds to value, as opposed to obvious bright an' shiny from considerable effort which looks shabby at best. Good luck!

 

What is your purpose in cleaning it? Generally, it's best to leave things as they were found. In this case, with the patina of age and usage. If your purpose is resale, I strongly recommend you leave as is. (You are likely to destroy collector interest otherwise.)

Debora

 

Are we sure it wasn't designed for the boiling of water over a fire? It seems a bit small and of the wrong material for a well.

Debora

 

I am...all that linkage in the suspension strongly suggests use other than simply hanging over a fire. That said, I'm no well-bucket guru; perhaps my interpretation is erroneous, Debora.

 

Before both of our times, @wlwhittier.

Debora

 

I thought they used these little ones for making jams over a fire...it seems rather smaller than what I'd expect for a well.

Personally, I'd give it a regular dish soap wash for cleanliness and leave the patina.