A 19th c. utility pale in original unfinished surface. 
Constructed of white ash with an applied pine wood bottom. Its body is well rounded, likely over a mold and pinned at the lap joint with overwhelming attractive rosehead nails, each forged by hand and flowered out with a flat head. 
An applied handle of ash is pinned to to the body and is formed in a D shape accomodating the users hand curves. Two maple wood pins are intricately formed with a shallow mushroom shaped head and chamfered stem. These pins are both functional and provide appropriate aesthetics.
Wooden utility pails were commonly used in homesteads in rural settings providing multifunctional use. This example has seen only light use resulting in a wonderfully descended condition. Its surviving wood surface is phenomenal, rich with oxidized color and pleasing nail bleeding. 
A fine example of rural colonial craftsmanship. 
New England origin. Ca. 1790-1830. 5 1/8"T, 10"OAH, 8 3/4"W.