This wooden vessel was used for storing butter, sugar or other. The original meaning of a firkin is a measurement meaning a fourth of a barrel. Later on it became the term for a wooden vessel used for storage. This Firkin has been around the block but shows true character. A lovely bucket with bent wood staves. I'm not sure of it's age. Very sturdy. GUC for its age. Note photo showing the beginnings of what looks like a drill hole that does not go all the way through. Swivel handle. What would you store in it?