What's this thingamajig called?

jpsartre

Ganga wrote: »

As it is next to the fireplace is it not some sort of control for the flue?

That's what I thought might be the case and why I mentioned it was next to my fireplace. Looking at photos however, it seems more likely to be a servant bell. The handle is blocked and can't be turned so whatever function it once had is no longer served.

Maybe I should add that I live in Edinburgh and have similar handles in other Edinburgh flats.

Biggles

jpsartre wrote: »

Looking at photos however, it seems more likely to be a servant bell.

That's exactly what it is, as per post #4. They always seem to be on the chimney breast, I guess it's where it's easiest to run the wires down through the house.