The finial is an architectural device, typically carved in stone and employed to decoratively emphasize the apex of a gable, or any of various distinctive ornaments at the top, end, or corner of a building or structure. A gable is the generally triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof Smaller finials can be used as a decorative ornament on the ends of curtain rods or applied to chairs and furniture. These are frequently seen on top of bed posts or clocks. Decorative finials are also commonly used to fasten lampshades, and as an ornamental element at the end of the handles of souvenir spoons. A souvenir spoon is a decorative Spoon used to signify or hold a memory of a place or event or to display as a 'trophy' of having been there thus also a classical memento from Finials can also be decorative members at the ends of curtain rods. An architectural finial can also function as a lightning rod, and was once believed to act as a deterrent to witches on broomsticks attempting to land on one's roof. A lightning rod (USA or lightning conductor (UK is a single component in a Lightning protection system. Finial is also a term given to straw animals at the ridges of thatched cottages. Finial maker is the term given to the artisan that makes the straw animal.
 Stone finial at Aachen town hall |
 Turned timber finial |
 Finial Illustration by Viollet-le-Duc, 1856 |
 Copper Finial |
Flagpoles
A "ball-style" finial is commonly mounted to the top of a stationary flagpole. ( Ripuarian: Oche, Dutch: Aken, Spanish: Aquisgrán, Italian: Aquisgrana, French, Eugène Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc ( January 27 1814 &ndash September 17, 1879) was a French Architect and theorist famous for his "restorations" A flag is a piece of Cloth, often flown from a pole or mast, generally used Symbolically for signaling or identification This is sometimes (mistakenly) called a "truck", which is the mechanism that connects the finial to the pole. An urban legend says the ball contains a razor, lighter, and flare. An urban legend or urban myth is a form of modern Folklore consisting of stories thought to be factual by those circulating them According to the legend, the items were meant to be used to destroy the flag in case the post was overrun by the enemy. A related and less pleasant version says the finial should have a bullet, knife, and matches so the last surviving soldier can continue fighting (with the knife), and if need be destroy the flag with matches (to prevent it from being captured), and take his own life with the bullet.
 Eagle of a regiment of the Grande Armée |
See also
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An acroterion or acroterium is an architectural ornament placed on a flat base called the acroter or Plinth, and mounted at the apex of the Pediment A crocket is a hook-shaped decorative element common in Gothic architecture.Dictionary
finial
-noun
- The knot or bunch of foliage, or foliated ornament, that forms the upper extremity of a pinnacle in Gothic architecture.
- Any decorative fitting at the peak of a gable, or on the top of a flagpole, fence post or staircase newel post.
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