Mystery knob in kitchen

Submitted by Maleficent-Sink-1296 t3_yaq6zn in nyc

Update: I talked to my super, and he said it's part of an old window that wasn't removed when the windows were replaced!

I'm in the process of fixing the "landlord special" (aka removing years of paint) that many of the vintage hardware in my pre 1920 apartment received, and I have a mystery something in my kitchen.

I have absolutely no idea what it is, what its purpose is, and I haven't been able to find anything about it online.

Anyone have any idea what this could be?

​

EDIT: I ran a magnet over the entire thing and found that the only magnetic parts of the fixture are two nails, I believe the rest of it is made of wood.

https://preview.redd.it/xvqz9gb0idv91.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=149ead3cc49153a1c6d75ab779fe332e20468b1c

7

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

superrjk1 t1_itcad5j wrote

Something to tie blind cord around. I think

21

Maleficent-Sink-1296 OP t1_itcc39u wrote

very well could be, I just scraped off some paint and learned that it's nailed in and not screwed in, so I imagine it's made of wood

2

SandyJ8 t1_itcgkxy wrote

Yeah watch out very likely has lead paint under those layers

10

Maleficent-Sink-1296 OP t1_itcgsix wrote

there are! i've been very careful about wearing a mask, gloves, making sure the space is well ventilated, and not creating any dust

4

Helpy___Helperton t1_itcmvyp wrote

fyi lead dust is most readily absorbed through the sclera of the eye. it's best to get some cheap swim goggles.

I am an industrial artist and it's a thing we tread carefully around.

8

superrjk1 t1_itcc1mb wrote

Not sure what it would be made of though. Probably in perfect condition after you get 100yrs of paint off. Lol

4

Maleficent-Sink-1296 OP t1_itcca3d wrote

i believe it's made of wood, my next challenge is going to be getting the nails out without damaging the wood(?) around it

2

superrjk1 t1_itcew6d wrote

The nails were used because moldings around window which it is mounted on are made of wood

2

cFlasch t1_itcv44l wrote

Looks like a capped off old gas lamp. We had a bunch of them in our house.

2

Mdayofearth t1_itgwx9v wrote

Can we get a wider shot of the thing for more contextual references? We don't know how high up it is to the sill, etc.

2

stonecats t1_itp0io8 wrote

> removing years of paint

how?

i have not found a single old paint removal technique - that actually works.

1