Switch plate type thing

[Bramblefind]

I guess My brother found this at a home site in the fall and asked me to try to get an ID on it. Finally getting around to posting Little over 5" x 3.5".

I think this will probably be easy for someone.. thanks!

 

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[dg39]

Could be a decorative or protective cover for an electrical outlet.
Maybe 1930's + from the style.
To be honest I do not know.
Thought I would bump it up to find out myself..
Interesting!
DG

 

[Bramblefind]

Thanks DG! I guess this thing might be a bit more of a stumper than I originally thought it would be.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

My first thought was a cover for an old time push button light switch, but it seems big for that. Another thought though is maybe a pen/pencil holder? Maybe it had tubes on it that have broken off?

 

[Bramblefind]

Thanks Ken That is a very interesting idea and the circles there are the right size. The decorative hanging loop is making it hard for me to visualize b/c it makes me think it should be flat against a wall But maybe it worked a different way.

 

[simonds]

My first thought was an antique doorbell cover plate. But I don't see a match here.
http://www.historichouseparts.com/vintage_doorbells.htm

Clayton

 

[Bramblefind]

My first thought was an antique doorbell cover plate. But I don't see a match here.
http://www.historichouseparts.com/vintage_doorbells.htm

Clayton

Some of those look pretty close though! Thanks

 

[NOLA_Ken]

Thanks Ken That is a very interesting idea and the circles there are the right size. The decorative hanging loop is making it hard for me to visualize b/c it makes me think it should be flat against a wall But maybe it worked a different way.

Does it look like maybe there was one on the other side that broke off?

 

[simonds]

There is no mounting holes in the plate. But there is a hole at the very top, as if it is something that should hang on the wall.

 

[simonds]

I don't think it operated or attached to anything on the inside. I think it hung on a wall and something was attached to the face of it.

 

[simonds]

I'm leaning toward a wall candle holder plate minus the holder This website has many of them.
http://www.nextag.com/Furnishings--zzcandle+wall+sconcesz2700404zB6z5---html

Clayton

 

[treasuredog]

Elevator button plate?

 

[Bramblefind]

Thanks Ken That is a very interesting idea and the circles there are the right size. The decorative hanging loop is making it hard for me to visualize b/c it makes me think it should be flat against a wall But maybe it worked a different way.

Does it look like maybe there was one on the other side that broke off?

Here are a couple more pics - there is a bit of build up of some substance on the inside opposite end from the tab but I can't tell if anything was ever attached there.

Some more good ideas - thanks

 

[deepskyal]

I don't think it was a wall hanger. I think that piece is actually bent out. It's not a flush fit to a surface and the hole is kinda tiny for nails or hangers.
Picture it comming straight down from where it's attached to the inside and could be flat against a side of a box if it were a lid.
I think the size is the key to solving it. 3.5"x5"...sticks in my mind for something's standard size.

I'm going with a lid of a box of some sort and those 2 bumps look as tho something might have broke off.

Al

 

[traderoftreasures]

I would say it's part to a antique double bell telephone or monophone.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

from the pic the build up on the other side looks like old solder. Can't say for sure but it looks like there was another handle thats broken off. If you scratch the buildup and see if it's shiny like lead it is probably solder.

 

[AKiwi]

Looks like a double light switch.
Is it made out of metal (the whole thing) or is the bottom piece of each round bit some sort of insulating material? something like porcelain?
Actually, looking at it again....... I think that it is a servant call push button switch, the two buttons would be for say the Butler, the top one, and the bottom for the maid
Cheers

 

[Bramblefind]

Thanks for all the good and very plausible suggestions. I scratched the "build up" a little and some did flake off leaving a bit of a lead color so it is probably solder. But I don't know that there was another attachment there of if it was just used to help hold it in place.

The round things are metal - and one is darker than the other. I cleaned it a little and took another pic:

 

[Bramblefind]

Cleaner pic of the back - can now see that it appears it was attached at the corners to something else-

 

[stefen]

Very doubtful if this item has anything to do with electrical control...

Note that there are no thru connections on the back side...just expanded rivets...

What is known is that the item possible hung by the upper handle and possibly had protrusions at the nipple points...

In my opinion, we can ascertain what it isn't thru the process of elimination...however, what it is is anybody's guess.