Octagon Brass Bronze Coat Hanger? No Idea.

[jonac21]

I found this hanging underneath a barn floor in an old Vermont farm house. I have no idea what it could be used for. It looks like it is made out of brass There are no moving parts and no markings. Sorry... I could not get a good picture of the back no matter how I took it. My only guess is maybe a coat hanger?

 

[creskol]

I have seen something similar on desk that had small flags on wooden sticks stuck in the holes.

 

[Goodyguy]

Whatever it is, it's a nice one

 

[EE THr]

Whatever it is, it's a nice one

The knob looking thing sticking out looks like it is a separate piece. Because it appears to be a different color (maybe even wood?). Also, it has a silvery metal band around it, so the seam between it and the "top" six sided cast piece cannot be seen.

From the bottom picture, there looks to be a post up the middle, which might be threaded. Maybe that's how the silvery band got installed. Threads mean that you might be able to unscrew the knob, and there might be a makers mark or statement of purpose inside.

That the six points of both pieces don't align, is further indication that it might unscrew and come apart.




P.S. If you hold a layer or two of a white handkerchief over the flash, it will reduce the glare.

 

[AU24K]

Victorian style ornate doorbell?

Scott

 

[EE THr]

I forgot to mention---

The two slots in the back plate look like they are for a leather strap. Since they are off center, I would say the strap would go horizontal rather than vertical. Like a belt, or maybe a horse.

What method did you use to clean it? If it is brass, it must have been all green, or at least have a deep brown patina, right.

It might just be the lighting, but it looks mighty yellow to me! Well, except the back has a copper tone to it, with a curious "overspray" effect around the slots and edges.

What does it weigh?

 

[jadeblackhawk]

inkwell.

 

[Breezie]

It looks like the back plate to a late Victorian wall sconce or chandelier. The 2 slits in the back could have held the ceiling/wall attachment plate. Try to remove the center post or loosen it enough to see if you see electrical wires. Interesting find, Breezie