A questioner said:
Some kind of switch or socket? Object with chain that clicks when it’s pulled. 20cm from ceiling of old house. Read more below!
More information:
The object is either metal or hard plastic. It’s attached to a wall, 20cm from the ceiling. It is 9cm squared, with a screw in the middle holding a round rotating disk with a lever on the front. The disk is 4cm in diameter. The lever can rotate the disk fully in either direction. The narrow end of the lever is open and from within hangs a tiny length of chain, which has a small metal ring attached to the end of it. When this ring is pulled, it reveals a larger length of chain and eventually with some force, it makes a clunk sound and you can feel some kind of click like a switch being triggered (like in a bathroom light pull switch). Sometimes it clicks twice. There’s no writing on the object, but a small indistinguishable image on the lever. Two of these objects have been found. One in the living room and one in the bedroom of an apartment in The Netherlands.
This is an old building (the toilet and electrical box look old fashioned) but i dont know it’s age. It used to contain two houses but these have been split into apartments. This apartment is on the top floor of the building. The two objects I’ve pictured are in line with each other, on the same wall of the house.
I have used Google lens and found nothing. I’ve googled sockets and switches. My only guess is that it could be some kind of gas lamp related thing with a pipe running through this wall and these could have been switches to regulate the gas. I actually have no idea though!
Some of the answers:
- Was used to summon a maid. Would either have rung a bell or lit a lamp in the kitchen.
- It’s a switch. I have the same in my bathroom.
- Some lightswitches come with a pull chain. This model might be a derivative. Having a chain that operates as a light switch that can be installed flush(ish) to a wall, removing it from the middle of the room… IDK perhaps
- Functionally, it looks like it could open and close a vent. Purely a guess though. I’ve lived in a lot old house with old hardware and never saw one before.
- My grandparents had the same over their bed. It is missing a cord witch goes down from the switch to the bed. So you can switch off the light while you are lying in the bed.
- I have seen a similar switch to turn on an exhaust fan either in a bathroom or kitchen.
- Old lightswitch
- Usually there is a flip switch next to the door, and a pull switch on the long wall somewhat in the middle, so you can turn off the lights while in bed
- clicking mechanism i assume
- Mine is exactly the same. If you pull the little chain the light switches on.
- Could it be the room was a different size back then and this is why now it is in the middle of the room?
What do you think? Let us know in the comment!
In the era of smart homes and sleek, minimalist designs, there’s something undeniably charming about the quaint simplicity of vintage pull-chain switches. These relics of a bygone era evoke a sense of nostalgia and offer a tangible connection to the past, particularly in old houses where they are often found suspended from ceilings, 20cm above our heads.
The Humble Origin
Pull-chain switches trace their lineage back to the late 19th century, a time when electricity was beginning to illuminate homes across the globe. In those early days of electrification, simplicity was key, and the pull-chain switch emerged as a reliable and intuitive means of controlling the flow of electricity to a light fixture or ceiling fan.
A Tactile Experience
What sets pull-chain switches apart is the tactile experience they offer. With a satisfying click, a gentle pull on the chain completes the circuit, bathing the room in warm light or setting the fan blades in motion. There’s a sense of empowerment in this physical interaction, a reminder that technology doesn’t always have to be complex to be effective.
Embedded Stories
One of the most enchanting aspects of these switches is the stories they hold. In old houses, each pull of the chain feels like a connection to the past, a nod to the generations of inhabitants who have come before. The worn patina of the switch, the slight creak as it is pulled – these are the subtle reminders of the passage of time and the enduring quality of craftsmanship.
Aesthetic Appeal
Beyond their functionality, pull-chain switches also possess a unique aesthetic appeal. Suspended from the ceiling on a delicate chain, they add a touch of vintage elegance to any room. Their presence is a testament to a time when even the most mundane household objects were designed with care and attention to detail.
Preserving the Past
In an age where disposable technology reigns supreme, there’s something refreshing about the longevity of pull-chain switches. With proper care, these devices can last for decades, serving as a link between past and present. For homeowners in old houses, preserving these relics of the past isn’t just about nostalgia – it’s about honoring the history and character of their homes.
Embracing the Charm
In a world driven by innovation and efficiency, it’s easy to overlook the simple pleasures offered by objects like pull-chain switches. Yet, in their humble way, these devices remind us to slow down, to appreciate the beauty in the everyday. So the next time you find yourself in a room illuminated by the gentle glow of a vintage light fixture, take a moment to pause and savor the experience. After all, in a world that’s constantly changing, some things are timeless.
