I've had this for about 50 years and don't really know what it was used for.  Nothing has ever turned up similar for me on google searches.  A heavy, solid copper round-bottom pail with embossed "I.C.R.R." to face, 8"h excluding the bail, 5" diameter base tapering to 3 3/4" diameter at rim, weighs just under 1 lb 9 oz.  Old, crude brass solder repairs along the side seam and around the base edge, see photos.  Three rivets on one side below rim, two on the other side, perhaps for handles that have been lost.  Looks quite old.