Historical information

This rail holder is one of a pair of two. The opening in the sphere holds one end of a rail and the screw holes allow the holder to be attached to a flat surface such as a wall or shelf.

Pail holders can be found in homes, marine vessels, offices, hotels and many other locations. They are used with a fitted rail for hanging towels, coat hangers in cupboards and wardrobes and curtains over windows. They can also be used for the ends of handrails and shelf rails.

Significance

This rail holder represents the the type of fittings used on ships in the 19th century. Similar fittings are still used today in the 21st century.

Physical description

Rail holder; one of two brass rail fittings. Hollow sphere on top of a pedestal that has a round base with three holes in it. The sphere has an opening on one side.