A questioner said:
What is this thing? Found in a pile of rubble near my house. Made entirely of solid glass. May not be a complete object because it looks broken on both ends
More from the owner:
Weighs 100g. Dimensions are 6.5cm long and 4cm wide. Doesn’t have any writing on it. Object is not in best condition.
Some of the people comments about it:
1. Based on the shape, I was going to suggest it’s a curtain rod finial, but it’s so small, I’m thinking it’s a decorative top for a wine/liquor bottle or a crystal decanter
2. Cabinet handle, the part at the bottom where it’s sheered off is where it would have flared out for the mounting. I’ve got one that looks almost exactly like it that broke in almost the same way.
3. Almost looks like a broken ornamental top to a carafe or something similar. It is not the reality stone.
4. Looks like the head of a screwdriver
5. It look like the stopper of a cranberry glass bottle.
6. Looks like an old/antique doorknob
7. Perfume bottle stopper?
8. I was gonna say a decanter top with the seal chipped off
9. Knob for a drawer?
10. Culd be the lit to a carafe. You know, the fancy glass containers you pour spirits or qine into. For when keeping it in the bottle aint good enough
11. The stem of a goblet?
12. Maybe stem of a wine glass
13. looks like a fancy doorknob but im not sure
14. Looks like an old doorknob that’s been through the ringer.
15. Possibly cullet from glassmaking/glass blowing. Also possibly a fragment of glass ‘cane’, also used in glass crafting
What do you think? Let us know in the comment!
In the quiet aftermath of a local demolition, curiosity often turns to the odd and intriguing remnants left behind. Such was the case near my house where, amidst a pile of rubble, I stumbled upon a peculiar item: a piece of solid glass, seemingly broken on both ends, suggesting it might once have been part of a larger, complete object.
Description of the Object
The glass object is cylindrical in shape, with a smooth, almost polished surface that glints in the sunlight. Both ends are jagged, indicating that it was fractured from a larger piece. The clarity of the glass is remarkable, free from bubbles or imperfections, which hints at a level of craftsmanship and purpose.
Potential Origins and Uses
Given its location in a pile of rubble from a recently demolished building, several theories about its origin and purpose come to mind:
Architectural Fragment: It could be a part of an architectural feature, such as a glass column or a baluster from a staircase. These elements are often found in grand buildings and are used to create an impression of space and elegance.
Decorative Element: The smooth finish and quality of the glass suggest it might have been a decorative piece. Possibly a part of a chandelier, lamp, or even a piece of art.
Scientific Instrument: Given its precise, cylindrical shape, another possibility is that it was once part of a scientific apparatus. Glass is commonly used in laboratory equipment for its transparency and inert properties.
Historical Relic: If the building that was demolished had historical significance, the glass could be a fragment of an older artifact, perhaps from an era when glassblowing and glass-making were common crafts.
Investigating the History
To understand more about this mysterious object, one could start by researching the history of the demolished building. Was it a modern structure or did it have historical importance? Architectural records and photographs might reveal whether such glass elements were part of the original design.
Another avenue is to consult with local historians or visit a museum specializing in architectural salvage. Experts in the field might be able to identify the glass piece based on its shape, composition, and craftsmanship.
The Significance of the Find
Discovering an item like this is a reminder of the layers of history that often lie hidden in our immediate surroundings. Each object has a story, a past life that contributed to the fabric of its environment. While this piece of glass might seem insignificant at first glance, it could be a fragment of a larger narrative about the building, the people who used it, and the era it came from.
Preserving the Fragment
If further research proves inconclusive but the object’s craftsmanship is appreciated, it could be preserved as a unique artifact. Clean it carefully, perhaps mount it on a base to display its fractured beauty, and let it serve as a conversation piece and a tangible link to the past.
Conclusion
The glass object found in the rubble near my house may remain a mystery, but it has already sparked curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the hidden stories in our everyday environments. Whether an architectural remnant, a piece of decor, or something else entirely, it stands as a testament to the intricate and often surprising layers of history that surround us.
