This is an authentic and late 19th century hand made wooden Shaker bucket from Pennsylvania. in all original and unrestored, very good condition; with it's original lid and lovely patinated surface. It maintains a bentwood broad 1 1/4" rotating handle, and the three concentric tension circumference bands are still in place to the top and bottom, as they were when it was first made, albeit there is a very slight hardly noticeable slither of a loss to the bottom band (see images). The 12" high bucket is round and tapered measuring 11 5/8" diameter at the top; and broadens to 12 3/8" diameter at the bottom. The lid fits snugly on the top, while the handles are held in place by a wood headed penetrating plug pin (see images). The random vertical side boards, called "staves" fit tightly and are held in place by the circumference bands or hoops. "Staves" are recycled wood from discarded barrels. The interior of the bucket and lid are finished with original pale blue milk paint. Shaker buckets were, by nature, simplistic in construction yet highly utilitarian. These buckets were used to store or transport household goods such as butter, salt, and sugar, Sometimes they are seen paint decorated, which usually implies that it was done later and not original to the piece. Also, calling these wooden buckets 'firkins" has become commonplace and the terms are used interchangeably. Shaker pieces are highly sought after by folk art collectors and arranging these wooden buckets, or firkins, in different sizes is commonplace and makes a wonderful addition to a collection of Americana. Dimensions: 13" wide (overall) x 12" high Note: "Firkins" were actually Shaker buckets that were made to accommodate a particular unit of metric measurement and made accordingly to that specificity. Note: I am a second generation antiques dealer and have been in business for 50 years; I am also a member of several prestigious antique associations. Thus, I am well qualified to inspect and evaluate the products I offer for sale and I guarantee this to be authentic and as I have described.