Glass Lightning rod top shift knob?

[RelicDude]

I found this glass ball in a cellar hole many years ago and I just refound it today. I'm curious to what it is. It has a threaded metal insert that makes m think its a early shift knob or is it the top of a lightning rod? Thanks for the help- Justin

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[PikesPeakCharlie]

I would be inclined to say shifter knob ?? buuuuuut ?

 

[sandchip]

I lean toward shift knob, too. Lightning rod balls are hollow, with a hole on each end for the rod to pass through. The very top of the rod is metal, with a sharp tip in order to release electrons to discharge the structure in addition to giving a strike a passage around the house and to the ground.

 

[RelicDude]

I think that might be what it is . A shift knob I just wonder how old it is.

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[epackage]

Put it to use in your car, truck or motorcycle...

 

[Bass]

I'm thinking 50's or 60's

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[sunrunner]

ive found them in 1920s sites so thay go back that fare.

 

[twiasp]

Could it be the top to a walking cane?

 

[RelicDude]

Could it be the top to a walking cane?

What I'm finding on the web is that these are either shift knobs or a cane top. I think it dates from the 20s or 30s.

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