A coal bucket, sometimes called a coal scuttle, or hod, is a container similar in shape to a bucket for holding a small coal supply located closed to fireplaces or stoves. Generally they are made of metal and shaped like a bucket or cylinder with a slanted top to facilitate easy pouring of coal onto a fire or stove.
Traditionally the main larger store of coal in households has been in a coal bunker, somewhere in the home or outside within the grounds. This is how the coal scuttle came to be - to facilitate a small store of coal conveniently close to the fire. It was used to easily scoop coal from the bunker to close to and on to the fire.
If you're using yours regularly the most important thing is is that it is robust - in particular the handles which will need to support the weight of a full bucket load. Next, the style and finish are important since the bucket will be sitting prominently on your fireplace - most probably the focal point of your room. Luckily there are many styles and finishes available so you shouldn't find it too hard to find one that fits with your decor.
Don't forget that even if you do not burn coal or have a gas fire you can still use a coal bucket as a purely decorative item.
Finally if you're interested where the word "scuttle" comes from - its from the Latin for a shallow pan -" Scutlla."
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