Not sure of use, silver over glass ball , not dug

5woodluther · Apr 29, 2010

OK, so it is not a dug "what is it", but still, I am not sure what these were meant to be used for. There are the 4 of them. Silver over glass with threaded bases. 2 of the bases have larger threads than the other 2 for some reason. You can see the size from the hand comparison. I bought them because 1) I thought I could find a decorative use for them, and 2) for $15 , I can always melt the silver if I have to.
Any Ideas?

ShootTheMoon · Apr 29, 2010

They look like my grandmothers 4 poster bed knobs.

72cheyenne · Apr 29, 2010

ShootTheMoon said:
They look like my grandmothers 4 poster bed knobs.

Sound reasonable, the two with the larger threads for the headboard, and the two with small threads for the footboard. Would have been a quite extravagant bed.

5woodluther · Apr 29, 2010

I was thinking a 4 poster bed, but thought they would be awful fancy for a bed. The only other thing I could think of was a fancy Curtain Rod end.

iansmom · Apr 29, 2010

They could also be ends to curtain rods as well. Whatever they are they are beautiful!!!

ShootTheMoon · Apr 29, 2010

5woodluther said:
I was thinking a 4 poster bed, but thought they would be awful fancy for a bed. The only other thing I could think of was a fancy Curtain Rod end.

Same here, but couldn't figure out why the 2 different size threads and black bases. Maybe the double rod fashion?

Not vintage, but to get an idea (Finials):
http://www.levolor.com/products/drapery-hardware/retail/heritage.php

bradyboy · Apr 29, 2010

good point on the 2 separate threads on the base
The black base and threads don't strike me as matching the top
any silver markings?
I assume its glass?
They look like they should have an internal light bulb
Either way, they sure are nice
Brady

5woodluther · Apr 30, 2010

bradyboy said:
good point on the 2 separate threads on the base
The black base and threads don't strike me as matching the top
any silver markings?
I assume its glass?
They look like they should have an internal light bulb
Either way, they sure are nice
Brady

I haven't actually got them in hand yet, so I haven't been able to look them over for haulmarks etc. I bought them off of Ebay just because they were cheap and interesting. Should get them in the next few days, and if I find any markings etc, I will let you know.