Finial
From Free net encyclopedia
Image:Finial rathaus aachen.jpg Image:Ammortissement.XIIIe.siecle.png A finial is a vertically mounted spike used as a decorative ornament at the top of a building or structure. This element is also used to decorate silver, ceramics and furniture. The finial can also function as a lightning rod or to prevent birds from landing. A finial is also occasionally used on the ends of curtain rods to keep the curtains from sliding off the ends of the curtain rod when the curtain is parted.
A "ball-style" finial is commonly mounted to the top of a stationary flagpole. This is sometimes (mistakenly) called a "truck", which is the mechanism that connects the finial to the pole.
There are many urban legends surrounding the ball finial. One legend says the ball contains a razor, lighter, and flare. According to the legend, the items were meant to be used to destroy the flag. 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.
See also
Template:Architecture-stubde:Kreuzblume
nl:Kruisbloem (gotiek)
pt:Florão (arquitectura)
sv:Fial