Antique wooden well bucket, ~18" tall, iron banded

Identification & Use

• Function: Traditionally used with a rope and pulley in a well to draw water. The narrow, deep form was designed to fit into a well shaft and fill easily when submerged. The iron handle ring allowed it to be hooked to a rope or chain, and the secondary side rings helped stabilize it during hoisting.

• Era: The construction style, visible wear, and hardware suggest late 1800s to early 1900s (possibly circa 1880–1920). The heavy patina and hand-forged or early machine-made iron indicate genuine age rather than a modern reproduction.Notes on Market

• High demand: Farmhouse, rustic, and primitive décor markets love these.

• Condition factors: Yours shows authentic aging but no catastrophic rot, which is good. However, rust and dryness mean it’s decorative only — not functional.

• Where to sell: eBay, Etsy, antique malls, farmhouse décor shops.

If this bucket had provenance (e.g., tied to a historic homestead) or unusual regional craftsmanship, it could push toward the higher end ($150+).

From the look of the hardware and wear, I’d place it closer to 1900 ± 20 years.