Embossed Copper Repoussé Coal Scuttle Bucket

This is a vintage or antique coal scuttle or bucket crafted from hand-hammered and embossed copper. The vessel features a distinctive tapered, hourglass-like silhouette with a flared rim and a lobed, rounded base. Its most notable feature is the intricate repoussé and chased decoration covering the main body, depicting several figures in what appears to be traditional or folk attire, possibly in a tavern or domestic scene. Above the central frieze is a decorative band of repeating geometric and floral motifs. The bucket is equipped with a sturdy, faceted copper swing handle attached to heavy-duty riveted lugs. The surface displays a rich, aged patina with areas of darkened oxidation, verdigris in the recesses, and polished highlights that emphasize the high relief of the embossed figures. Construction details, such as the visible seams and the irregular nature of the hammered patterns, suggest a handmade origin likely from the late 19th to early 20th century. While functionally designed for fireplace use, the high level of decorative craftsmanship suggests it served a significant aesthetic role in a domestic interior. No maker's mark is visible in the primary image, but the style is consistent with European or Middle Eastern hand-wrought metalwork.