Monday, January 24, 2011

Fire Bucket

First of all, I wanted to thank all of you for commenting on my post about the evolution of your home decor styles. It was so fun to read what you had to share! I could go on and on and on about this topic, as is my nature to over analyze things. For example, my completely random thought of late is~ what if one day Rachel Ashwell decided she was tired of roses? Just wonderin'.

Okay, now I want to show you a new treasure that I got at an antique mall a few weekends ago. The tag said "old fire bucket- $15." I had no idea what a fire bucket was, but I loved it's red chippy patina and the letter "B" on it.



Sorry about the slightly blurry image of the pail. I got a good focus on the wood, though!

I did some research online about fire buckets. If you have more information to share, please do! What I gathered is that fire buckets were actually used for putting out fires. Earlier buckets were made of leather, often rounded at the bottom (so that they could be hung for quick retrieval.) Later years, they were used as a safety precaution in kitchens. The galvanized pails were painted red with the word "FIRE" on the side, filled with sand, and were nearby for tossing onto oil fires. I do not know why this one has a "B" on it? Perhaps it was added later or was a family name?



Here are a few links to other fire buckets I found online~



For now, my fire bucket will hold scraps of wood for my fireplace and future sign projects (I'm getting low on wood!)

I even think I could put a plant inside, use it as a Christmas tree holder....the possibilities are endless!

I have a lot more goodies to share with you this week! I've been discovering soooooo many fabulous new blogs (to me) this past week! Thank you all for your inspiration, and thanks for stopping by our little blog here! It makes our day!!


Happy Monday!

~michelle~

7 comments:

Robin Johnson said...

I love your fire bucket. The chippy paint is amazing. Plus I loved the history lesson, I learned something new today. Thanks

Vintage Gal said...

I love the fire bucket and the wood inside ~ looks amazing! LOVE IT.

Polly said...

Very cool bucket! I love the idea of putting your christmas tree inside!! that would look very festive!!

xo

Polly

Carrie Ann Eddleman said...

Love that fire bucket, I like the Christmas tree idea a lot. We have a historical moravian village nearby that has it's original firehouse with it's leather fire buckets hanging inside, it's a really cool thing. What a great find, can't wait to see what other goodies you've found.Hugs-Carrie

very merry vintage style said...

Lovely find. I would have been drawn to it, too! You have quite a cute booth as well! Thanks for visiting me--
Mary from Very Merry Vintage Style

Lolo @ The Adventures of Stig and Lolo said...

Very cool. I love things that are vintage and have a purpose. I wonder how many fires "B" put out?! Kind of funny that your bucket is now starting fires instead of putting them out! LOL
I love the idea of the christmas tree in the bucket for the holidays....perhaps a small Norfolk Pine?
Happy Tuesday Michelle!!
XOX

Tara said...

Cute bucket. We'll see how long it lives at you house before it lands in the shop!