I'm trying to find out what this is.

Hi, My parents purchased this at a local antiques store for around 40 dollars a few years back. The next day they received a call from a woman who offered to pay them $500 for it. They declined. There is a note on the inside that says its a bucket that was used to distribute rum rations on old English ships. There is also a slot that is cut into the part at the top that can be removed. Does anyone have any info on this and what its worth might be. We dont want to sell it but we've always been curious as to just what it is and its worth. Thank you!

 

Hi David!

Welcome to Antiquers!

Photo of the bottom also please?

Choose FULL IMAGE when posting.

 

I think more likely for something that is meant to keep cold. Think the cylinder is probably for ice. Styling suggests this could be English …. or at least European in origin.

 

Photos enlarged and lightened:

 

Some sort of milk pail, I wonder?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Farm-Primitive-Green-Tin-Milk-Pail-Bucket-w-Spout-Lids-Wood-Bale-Handle-/392090777408?rmvSB=true&nma=true&si=BiuaCJKvnqwg1DKYVXkDYkC8ffU%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/123612581724

 

Or instead of cold, drop hot coal down the cylinder to keep things warm. You said someone suggested it was used on ships for rum. Isn't rum served warmed? Slot might be for steam release.
Just guessing

 

This is where my thoughts were going too - hot rum, with or without butter.

 

Sorry I dont have access to it right now

 

It's OK.....when you do!

 

Try hot toddy as a term. Not for anything cold, this was meant to have hot coals put in that container to heat a drink such as spirits or even beer. Probably from a pub.

I doubt it's naval, sailor's rum was served cold from a barrel with a ladle.