A questioner said:
Solid wooden object in a cylindrical shape with metal rings both at the top and bottom, pretty heavy too. There are 2/3 of them hanging outside on the walls of our old house in france.
More from the owner:
My biggest guess is a weight due to the heaviness of the object and the loops. Being made of solid wood though it makes it too heavy to be used for trees (the house came with a big garden full of trees.) No other items were seen with it, and they might have just been placed about as decoration now.
The wood looks old and cracked and the metal has rusted, uncertain on how old it truly is or if it is in this state due to weather
Some of the people opinions on it:
1. They look sorta like mooring buoys. Perhaps the previous owner of the house was a sailor
2. It is used for pulling a chimney liner into a chimney
3. They used to have a wooden or leather disc seated about the reduced diameter sections.
4. My guess is something to do will rope making.
5. My guess is something to do will rope making.
6. Thatched roof?
7. I’m thinking it was a plug of some sort. Like if you didn’t want a vertical pipe filling with rain.
Maybe an exhaust stack? Though those are usually cut at an angle, not flush with the ground. And that doesn’t explain the lifting ring. Without the ring it would be more of a hassle to pull it out.
I’m going with a rain plug for vertical pipe.
8. Might be blocks for tethering horses in stalls.
9. Counter weights for self closing stable gates?
10. They look to be Wooden Post Caps/Cover that may have had some sort of decorative chain or rope hooked to them. Maybe off of an old deck, dock, or front porch, now since demolished or renovated.
11. I’ve made something similar out of a chunk of oak, just a “headache ball” for a hoist cable (keeps proper tension and keeps the line from being all coil-ie from the spool) but I don’t exactly think that’s what this is
12. Sewage pipe cleanout of some kind is my guess.
13. Do you have 2 or do you have 3?
14. based on shape and material id reckon its meant to plug something but still be floatable and hooked up with a chain underneath.
But for what im out of ideas, some sort of drainage would be the best guess i can come up with
15. Cannon tampion?
What do you think? Let us know in the comment!
Read Also: Does anyone know what this is? It is over the basement door in our 1890’s home.
Nestled in the charming French countryside, our old family house is a tapestry of history and tradition. Among the many relics that adorn the walls, there are some particularly intriguing objects that have always piqued my curiosity: solid wooden cylinders with metal rings affixed at both ends. There are two or three of these heavy, enigmatic items hanging on the exterior walls, each a silent testament to the past.
The Design and Construction
At first glance, these objects appear simple but are quite fascinating upon closer inspection. Each piece is meticulously crafted from solid wood, lending it significant weight and durability. The wood, aged and weathered by time, carries a rustic charm that hints at decades, perhaps even centuries, of exposure to the elements.
The metal rings at both the top and bottom of each cylinder are equally intriguing. These rings are securely fastened, likely through some traditional blacksmithing technique, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The metal, now tarnished and slightly corroded, speaks of its age and the stories it might tell if it could.
Historical Significance and Purpose
To the untrained eye, these objects might seem like mere decorative elements. However, their robust construction suggests a more practical purpose. Historically, similar items have been used in various capacities, ranging from agricultural tools to components of traditional machinery.
In the context of our old house in France, these wooden cylinders with metal rings are likely remnants of a bygone era. They could have been used for a variety of purposes, such as weights for pulleys, components of old well mechanisms, or even as counterweights for barn doors or shutters. The exact function remains a mystery, but their continued presence on the walls suggests they held significant value and utility.
The Charm of Preservation
The preservation of these objects on the exterior walls of the house adds a unique character to the property. They stand as silent guardians, witnessing the passage of time and the evolution of the countryside. Their presence is a reminder of the ingenuity and craftsmanship of those who came before us, who utilized available materials to create tools and objects of both beauty and utility.
A Link to the Past
For those of us who call this old house home, these wooden cylinders with metal rings are more than just objects; they are links to our heritage. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and curiosity, prompting us to delve into the history of our family and the land. Each time we pass by them, we are reminded of the stories that have shaped our home and the lives of those who lived here long before us.
In an age where technology and modern conveniences dominate, these rustic relics serve as a poignant reminder of simpler times. They encourage us to appreciate the craftsmanship of yesteryears and to preserve the traditions that define our cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The solid wooden cylinders with metal rings hanging on the walls of our old French house are more than mere decorations. They are historical artifacts that embody the spirit of the past, the ingenuity of our ancestors, and the enduring charm of rural life. As we continue to uncover their secrets, they inspire us to cherish and preserve the rich history that defines our home.