I live in an old house in Edinburgh on the balcony between flats there is a small handle that is about three feet off the ground it can be moved vertically for about two feet. It is redundant and its previous purpose is not clear. There are three storeys and two of these on every one, does any one know what it is for.
2006-10-09 02:53:48 · 7 answers · asked by stephen m 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Yes! I live in Edinburgh and I can tell you exactly what it's for.
It was used to lift the latch on the front (Stair) door, by means of a wire, in a similar way that the old bell pulls operated. Most of these are redundant now in favour of door entry sytems. If you look at the front door next time you go out you may still be able to see the large metal hook on the door and the slot in the wall.
Some of these are still operating after 100+ years.
Entry to the stair from outside was gained with a fairly large key which went into a slot outside and lifted the latch. The tin tubing in the wall carried the pull wires, if you look up, on each landing (not balcony!) you will see a little box about 4" square which contained the cranks which changed the angle of pull from up to sideways etc.
2006-10-09 03:22:28 · answer #1 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds a bit like a bell-pull, something to do with adjustable ventilation & heating, or chimney-clearing equipment.
Hard to tell precisely without knowing about the period and previous usage of the building; for example, whether it's always been flats and what class of occupant it was built for.
Your Library's Local History department will have material about all periods of development in the city. It's very likely that the buildings, and the peculiarities of their design, are documented in some way.
2006-10-09 10:13:22 · answer #2 · answered by Fitology 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Something to do with window cleaners? There are a number of similar things on buildings along the Strand in London but without seeing a pic of what you mean, I can't be 100% certain, sorry.
2006-10-09 10:03:23 · answer #3 · answered by Ann H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd guess that it's something to do with a fire escape release for a ladder, or to wind up or down a fire hose, - or even to hang washing out???!!!
2006-10-09 10:03:03 · answer #4 · answered by Miss Behavin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think u r a clever person,u can solve the problem urself.
2006-10-09 10:02:29 · answer #5 · answered by noharm 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.....sorry..
2006-10-09 09:57:34 · answer #6 · answered by junio130 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
CLOTHES DRYING? FIRE ESCAPE RELEASE?
2006-10-09 10:00:59 · answer #7 · answered by Bonno 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋