The finial is an architectural device, typically carved in stone and employed decoratively to emphasize the apex of a gable or any of various distinctive ornaments at the top, end, or corner of a building or structure. Smaller finials can be used as a decorative ornament on the ends of curtain rods or applied to chairs and furniture. These are frequently seen on top of bed posts or clocks. Decorative finials are also commonly used to fasten lampshades, and as an ornamental element at the end of the handles of souvenir spoons. Architectural finials were once believed to act as a deterrent to witches on broomsticks attempting to land on one's roof. Finial is also a term given to straw animals at the ridges of thatched cottages.[1] Finial maker is the term given to the artisan that makes the straw animal.
During the various dynasties in China, a finial was wore on the top of the hat's civil or military officials during formal court ceremonies. The finial was changed to a knob for other daily usage (including semi-formal ceremonies).
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A "ball-style" finial is commonly mounted to the top of a stationary flagpole.[2] This is sometimes incorrectly called a "truck", which is the mechanism that connects the finial to the pole. An urban 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 in case the post was overrun by the enemy. 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. In actuality, the finial of a flagpole is generally inaccessible, and contains nothing.
The United States Navy and Coast Guard are unique in that they employ a variety of different finials depending on the flag in question.[3]
Bed posts often end in finials. Wooden posts tend to have turned wood finials.[4] While the purpose of finials on bed posts is mostly decorative, they serve a purpose on curtain rods. They provide a way to keep a curtain from slipping off the end of a straight rod.[5]
Curtain rod finials can be seen to act much like a barometer of public taste. Many designs hark back to the gothic and neo-gothic of architectural finials, while other contemporary finials reflect minimalist, art nouveau and other traditional styles of décor.[6] The use of different materials is as wide as the range of designs with brass, stainless steel, various woods and aluminium being employed with a variety of finishes such as ‘satin steel’ and 'antique brass'. The durability, strength and machinability of modern alloys have lent themselves to increasingly intricate and dazzling designs.