Hi,
Tim, Rather, I've managed to open it and I believe it to be really a bed warmer! Definetly something one would put water into, 'cos it is quite heavily "laquered" in the inside, and yes, it is water tight.
No, Mark, that cylinder is a qajar candle holder
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=qajar
It is not copper made however, white metal with great patina!
No evidence of heating the bottom.
Thank to all of you, for solving that mistery! 