Where can I find information about an old brass bucket that I found.?

Question

I found an old bucket that was buried about 4 feet underground. It is solid brass, weighing about 30 pounds. It has a stamp on the bottom reading: American Mastercraft Phelps Dodge 1834. It also has a small copper ring inlaid in the center of the bottom.

Answer 1

Phelps Dodge is a mining company they also produce copper wire and other finished metal goods, this must be one of their products from the past or a tool that belongs to them. I don't know if the supposed date really means anything, it may be a modle number. Perhaps a little web search of the company would reveal a corporate history dept. A detailed description of exactly where you found this along with some relevant photos might help solve your mystery.