Old copper pail

Don't know anything about this, appears to be copper with tinning on the inside. From what I have researched it is considered to have dovetail seams, they are down one side, around the bottom edge and the oval patch in the middle. I think it may be a water pail for dropping into a well but not sure. Could also be for cooking over open fire. There are no markings indicating who made it and where it is from. The handle including the rivets are iron. Please comment if you have knowledge about this.