Among other things it could have be used to
dip the applebutter out of the brass applebutter kettle as it cooked on the open fire.
way its attached at the handle just looks,, well I call it primitive !!
That is the standard way most all bails and handles were affixed to
old/primitive copper or brass kettles, pots, dippers, etc. .....
for support, ..... to prevent the soft brass/copper from cracking/tearing (called metal fatigue) due to the weight of its contents being lifted.
Large kettles have a steel ring around the top to prevent the kettle from collapsing.