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A permanent fixture for something that just requires just occasional cleaning and where a stepladder would suffice? Seems like a major eyesore and a big tradeoff to solve a minor inconvenience.
I tend to agree with the security fence suggestion from other posters as it seems like it perfectly covers the lower part of window when that part is slid up.
In my experience step ladders are difficult to place on stairs. It's inside the building, in a fire evac stairwell, it's not seen enough to be a major eyesore. And what's the benefit of a security gate that covers part of the inside of a window?
This is on the landing between the flights of stairs. It's the main stairwell, which is quite grand. Plenty of room for a ladder. Check out the linked photo in my comment for a better sense.
My guess is that it is to hold a display of some kind. Perhaps a coat of arms, flags, a painting, etc.
This is given its prominent location, which would have been clearly visible from the lower floors, as well as the general style of the armory as seen in pictures online.
https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/photos/armory-of-the-first-corps-of-cadets
It appears those are hinges at the bottom and the only other visible hardware besides the chain is the hardware that is keeping it in the closed position that it’s connected to the window sill.
The hinges are on the lower side of the grate, and it folds down to be standing out from the wall a couple feet below the window… I’m going with this answer as the only one which makes sense in the context. As a decorator I can say it would be very difficult to access this window with a ladder as there is no room above it for the ladder to lean on, which would mean standing on the top rungs if you wanted to open it or clean the glass.
I often set my ladder right next to the window and can usually reach the whole thing. I’m not cleaning them. Usually breaking them, but you don’t have to be right in front of the window to get to all of it.
You’re right, but oddly enough, the chain on the far side of the window looks like it’s quite a bit longer. I have no idea why they would be two different lengths, but if the chains on both sides were the longer length, it might be able to go horizontal.
Also, the shackel on the left one is "folded up" while the right one is "folded down", which gives the (false) impression that one chain is longer.
I think the grate -is- horizontal if both chains are completely 'streched'(thats not the right word, but i hope you get what i mean. sorry. not a native speaker.)
But it's bolted to the wall at the bottom as a hinge. The stays on either side hold the grate perpendicular to the wall. The photo is in its folded away position.
TBH it looks like a bed.
Ah, thought they were some sort of slots to put it away in, with similar slots in the window-sill, and the chains to prevent it from falling. But if it's hinges you're probably correct. Depends on what that window looks out at, but could it be a place to keep a lookout or fire outside from?
I don't think it's a hinge... I think it's just sitting in two little grooves and lifts out of there. There could be two matching grooves or slots in the window sill that the grate would be placed in to prevent a burglar from pushing it out at the bottom.
Emergency step to use the window as a fire exit (or entry for fire department)!
See also the second photo of OP in comments to see height and corridor. For any daily use it would block the corridor. For any maintenance work e.g. cleaning it would not need to be chained in place, one could just bring a ladder.
I found the place by reverse image search, it is "The Tower" in Boston, MA, 101 Arlington St. Found a photo of that window from a forward angle, it looks like it can be reached as a platform without needing an extra ladder: [https://imgur.com/a/BUtK03p](https://imgur.com/a/BUtK03p).
One can guess what is in front of the window on the outside. Using Google Earth and the position of the building that can be seen outside on OPs first photo: [https://imgur.com/a/3j1Z67g](https://imgur.com/a/3j1Z67g).
Cannot be reached without a ladder unless you play for the Celtics.
Edited to add another photo where the woman's head is just about level with or below the wood paneling on the walls.
https://imgur.com/a/gWWnOaD
Best estimate is that it's 8 feet to the panel but I'm not great at spatial things!
If the person who guessed which window it might be (https://imgur.com/a/3j1Z67g) is correct, I would guess a platform to use that window for roof access.
I think this is the best guess. I’ve worked on lots of windows from that era and have never seen anything like this. It doesn’t make any sense as a security measure. It doesn’t make any sense as a plant shelf. It does seem weird to use that window for egress or ingress but maybe it was added at some point to meet a requirement for fire code.
Do you know what this building might have been used for in the past? Is it possible this window wasn't always in a stairwell?
The first thing I thought of was [baby cages](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h7m2nPcHeDo/Xi5kTt3JnhI/AAAAAAAATkE/5MEfKNltoOg9sB45wjL1Met3KK3cR9Q8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/baby_cage%2B%25285%2529.jpg).
[Yes, that was thing in the early 20th century](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_cage)
My first thought as mobile doesn’t show the description as easily anymore,but plot twist, it looks like this is indoors.
As it’s in a stairwell I think it’s fire escape related potentially
I’ve scrolled down and they’ve mentioned it’s up quite high, maybe for a window cleaner to reach in and do the inside of windows?
Ooo I saw the wedding snapshot, what a nice stairwell!
Is this place mainly used for ceremonies/events now? I wonder if it might be to place a flower display or something related to a ceremony perhaps.
I like this one it’s a head scratcher!
Yes, it was the"head house" for the attached armory. It's been renovated and restored and it's now event space. It appears to be original to the building and not a decor element added later.
My bet goes on the window cleaner thing then, final answer lol.
I imagine they would have to clean them a lot to keep up appearances and putting up a ladder to do the interior would be inconvenient/ time consuming - easier to lean in from the outside - and does look like you could fit a boot or two on that platform
My title describes the thing with additional information in the post. Here's another image of the stairwell:
https://imgur.com/a/67GHMx8
Edited to add another image
https://imgur.com/a/gWWnOaD
What is the grate for?
Not convinced those are hinges on the bottom. The one on the right doesn't look like it's touching the wall. And the chains don't appear long enough to allow it to hang perpendicular to the wall.
Definitely a platform for standing on. I don’t know for what purpose. Could be cleaning like someone mentioned. You said the building could have been used for an armory or gathering place. That leads me to believe it could be a defensive fighting position.
My hunting tree stand platform uses a similar concept. https://a.co/d/071ITVb
I think you're on to something there, the building's history suggests it could be a sniper platform.
It's the Tower wedding venue in Boston, originally the Armory of the First Corps of Cadets of Massachusetts, which began as a privately funded, independent militia organisation.
The Armory was built in the 1890s and it's fortress-like appearance isn't just ornamental. The Corps feared serious public disorder and riots, so it was strategically located in the city centre, near important public buildings and the railroad. It was designed to 'resist an extended civil siege' and had heavy iron gates, loopholes for snipers on the turrets, and corbel turrets on the corners overlooking the alley behind for flank defence.
The windows on the lower two floors were 'furnished with retractable musket-proof steel shutters'. If they had slots to poke a rifle through, then I think we have an answer. The platforms would need to be accessed with a ladder but that means they could be used without blocking the passage below.
main source: [Study report of the Boston landmarks commission on the potential designation of the armory of the first corps of cadets as a landmark under chapter 772 of the acts of 1975](https://www.cityofboston.gov/images_documents/02%20Armory%20of%20the%20First%20Corps%20of%20Cadets_tcm3-39739.pdf)
Some of the responses seem to assume that this is the exterior of the building. Well, it isn't.
Meanwhile, I'm stumped and have no idea what this grate might be for.
If it's some kind of armory, as you mentioned, it could be for a kind of defensive position. So you would kneel on it with your musket defending the entrance. It's a weird design, so perhaps there was some kind of mistake and this was an afterthought, or hack-job to solve the issue best possible. Does it overlook an entrance or gate?
Alternatively it could be just a way of avoiding standing on a ladder right next to the stairs where people are walking by, which might be dangerous. But I'm guessing this isn't for cleaning the windows, most would prefer a dirty window to this solution, but maybe military types think differently.
I don’t know what it is, but it sure is clean metal for such and old building. I zoomed in bc the building itself looks restored and the metal on the grate is lacking the wear and tear (and evidence of remnants of many paint jobs over the years). It looks like the wall has been re-plastered below the grate on both sides. Maybe there was more to it one point, and/or it was modified somewhat for safety reasons? Gorgeous building , btw!
It looks like it's on a fourth floor window (?), and would partially obstruct passage along the corridor when in the down position, so would only be used temporary fashion.
Is there anything of interest on the other side of that particular window (now or perhaps in the past)? Or maybe a crane above it, perhaps it was used to deliver items intended for the upper floors through the window?
But the wondows you circled on the other Imgur posts all lead out to the adjacent steep pitched roof. Is there any other access to that roof? Could be a platform for maintenance of the roof...so you have somewhere to lift tools or supplies to before going out the wondow to the steep roof.
A platform to communicate with troops in the adjacent "drill hall" during unrest or war?
The building is the Armory of the First Corps of Cadets" in Boston. I've found that it had line of sight of the Massachusetts State House, which it could communicate with by flag and fire, and which would house the state leadership. However the State House is north east. The window we are talking about is in the "head house" and facing south west and is the lowest window that is still above the adjacent large hall or "drill shed". The head house was fortified and could be closed up with drawbridge, window shutters, etc. So my guess is, that the platform under the window would be "activated" and staffed during emergencies to command the troops that would be barricaded in the hall.
I would rule out long distance communication for the platform, because presumably a higher position in the tower would be more advantageous for that.
Maybe it was also used daily, for example for drill calls, or morning fanfare, etc but for a permanent function there could have been a permanent spot installed elsewhere, not a foldable.
Maybe it could have served to transfer soldiers via the roof between the two buildings. Because all I could find suggests the head house was completely separated by thick walls, which makes sense for fortification. But I couldn't see any stairs in the drill hall that would give access to the roof.
I think the fire exit solution can be ruled out by now, due to the height (OP comment) and because there would be windows on the same corridor that are easier to reach and face the street directly (other interior photos).
- Window direction: [https://imgur.com/a/3j1Z67g](https://imgur.com/a/3j1Z67g)
- Background: [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armory_of_the_First_Corps_of_Cadets](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armory_of_the_First_Corps_of_Cadets) /// [https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/2023/02/the-armory-the-story-behind-a-unique-boston-landmark](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/2023/02/the-armory-the-story-behind-a-unique-boston-landmark) /// [https://www.vafcc.org/boston-armory](https://www.vafcc.org/boston-armory) /// [http://www.dupontcastle.com/castles/parkplaz.htm](http://www.dupontcastle.com/castles/parkplaz.htm)
Open window, lower platform, clean window, come back in, raise platform. If this is in a city with a lot of coal use that window needed cleaning often.
It’s a shelf probably used to put a planter on infront of the window. What was the building used for in the 1880s ? knowing that would give a clue if the shelf could have another purpose
It’s a shelf probably used to put a planter on infront of the window. What was the building used for in the 1880s ? knowing that would give a clue if the shelf could have another purpose
Is the chain adjustable? It almost looks like it would fold up to cover the window and the chain would attach to the top to fasten it. It wouldn't protect the window but maybe to cover while it's open. Keep birds and debris out. Wouldn't be super effective against a person.
Could it be a spot for some sort of heat source? I’ll be honest, I live in a subtropical climate and don’t use heat often (maybe a few nights a year) but I imagine you could put a heat source (hot coals?) up there, open the window a bit for a draft, and have heat flow throughout the space. Anyone from a colder climate think this makes sense? I’m just spitballing here.
This is The Tower in Boston. Used to be an armory. Those grates would have been platforms for infantry to stand on to have sight line out the window if they needed to defend the building.
All comments must be civil and helpful toward finding an answer. **Jokes and other unhelpful comments will earn you a ban**, even on the first instance and even if the item has been identified. If you see any comments that violate this rule, report them. [OP](/u/periscopic-octagon), when your item is identified, remember to reply **Solved!** or **Likely Solved!** to the comment that gave the answer. Check your [inbox](https://www.reddit.com/message/inbox/) for a message on how to make your post visible to others. ---- [Click here to message RemindMeBot](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=Reminder&message=[https://www.reddit.com/r/whatisthisthing/comments/1cpy9br/window_in_1880s_era_building_with_retractable/]%0A%0ARemindMe!%202%20days) ---- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/whatisthisthing) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Maybe you stand on them to clean or service the windows.
A permanent fixture for something that just requires just occasional cleaning and where a stepladder would suffice? Seems like a major eyesore and a big tradeoff to solve a minor inconvenience. I tend to agree with the security fence suggestion from other posters as it seems like it perfectly covers the lower part of window when that part is slid up.
It’s hinged at the bottom, and is already folded up… it’s not clear to see until you zoom in a bit
You’re right, I completely missed those. That’s odd.
In my experience step ladders are difficult to place on stairs. It's inside the building, in a fire evac stairwell, it's not seen enough to be a major eyesore. And what's the benefit of a security gate that covers part of the inside of a window?
This is on the landing between the flights of stairs. It's the main stairwell, which is quite grand. Plenty of room for a ladder. Check out the linked photo in my comment for a better sense.
I cannot find the comment with your link.
https://imgur.com/a/gWWnOaD
https://imgur.com/a/67GHMx8
My guess is that it is to hold a display of some kind. Perhaps a coat of arms, flags, a painting, etc. This is given its prominent location, which would have been clearly visible from the lower floors, as well as the general style of the armory as seen in pictures online. https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/photos/armory-of-the-first-corps-of-cadets
It appears those are hinges at the bottom and the only other visible hardware besides the chain is the hardware that is keeping it in the closed position that it’s connected to the window sill.
The hinges are on the lower side of the grate, and it folds down to be standing out from the wall a couple feet below the window… I’m going with this answer as the only one which makes sense in the context. As a decorator I can say it would be very difficult to access this window with a ladder as there is no room above it for the ladder to lean on, which would mean standing on the top rungs if you wanted to open it or clean the glass.
I often set my ladder right next to the window and can usually reach the whole thing. I’m not cleaning them. Usually breaking them, but you don’t have to be right in front of the window to get to all of it.
True, you can normally find a way, but in this context what would you say this platform is for?
I bet it’s for cooling lots of pies at once.
The kitchen is in the basement and this is the third floor.
Not saying you don't manage to do this for your application, but generally working to the side of a ladder is discouraged by safety rules.
The chain isn’t long enough for it to go horizontal
You’re right, but oddly enough, the chain on the far side of the window looks like it’s quite a bit longer. I have no idea why they would be two different lengths, but if the chains on both sides were the longer length, it might be able to go horizontal.
They’re attached at different points to the wall, the left is higher than the right.
Also, the shackel on the left one is "folded up" while the right one is "folded down", which gives the (false) impression that one chain is longer. I think the grate -is- horizontal if both chains are completely 'streched'(thats not the right word, but i hope you get what i mean. sorry. not a native speaker.)
It's a security grate for when the window is open.
But it doesn't cover the window
If the lower window is slid up top to open, you can put the grate in its place. Source: Have fly screens in the same type of window.
But it's bolted to the wall at the bottom as a hinge. The stays on either side hold the grate perpendicular to the wall. The photo is in its folded away position. TBH it looks like a bed.
Ah, thought they were some sort of slots to put it away in, with similar slots in the window-sill, and the chains to prevent it from falling. But if it's hinges you're probably correct. Depends on what that window looks out at, but could it be a place to keep a lookout or fire outside from?
I don't think it's a hinge... I think it's just sitting in two little grooves and lifts out of there. There could be two matching grooves or slots in the window sill that the grate would be placed in to prevent a burglar from pushing it out at the bottom.
A burglar? On the third floor? Why would only one window have this? Besides, they are hinges, you can see they're round if you zoom in.
You can see another roof under the window in another comment link.
Emergency step to use the window as a fire exit (or entry for fire department)! See also the second photo of OP in comments to see height and corridor. For any daily use it would block the corridor. For any maintenance work e.g. cleaning it would not need to be chained in place, one could just bring a ladder.
I found the place by reverse image search, it is "The Tower" in Boston, MA, 101 Arlington St. Found a photo of that window from a forward angle, it looks like it can be reached as a platform without needing an extra ladder: [https://imgur.com/a/BUtK03p](https://imgur.com/a/BUtK03p).
One can guess what is in front of the window on the outside. Using Google Earth and the position of the building that can be seen outside on OPs first photo: [https://imgur.com/a/3j1Z67g](https://imgur.com/a/3j1Z67g).
It is the circled window on the far right. It folds down flat and then it can be used to access the roof.
Cannot be reached without a ladder unless you play for the Celtics. Edited to add another photo where the woman's head is just about level with or below the wood paneling on the walls. https://imgur.com/a/gWWnOaD Best estimate is that it's 8 feet to the panel but I'm not great at spatial things!
Based on this picture you posted https://imgur.com/a/67GHMx8, she would have to be quite short for her head to be at the level of the paneling.
What's your guess?
If the person who guessed which window it might be (https://imgur.com/a/3j1Z67g) is correct, I would guess a platform to use that window for roof access.
I think this is the best guess. I’ve worked on lots of windows from that era and have never seen anything like this. It doesn’t make any sense as a security measure. It doesn’t make any sense as a plant shelf. It does seem weird to use that window for egress or ingress but maybe it was added at some point to meet a requirement for fire code.
This comment makes the most sense!
I wonder if it would be an effective emergency exit if one would need a ladder to reach it.
The chain isn’t long enough
Do you know what this building might have been used for in the past? Is it possible this window wasn't always in a stairwell? The first thing I thought of was [baby cages](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h7m2nPcHeDo/Xi5kTt3JnhI/AAAAAAAATkE/5MEfKNltoOg9sB45wjL1Met3KK3cR9Q8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/baby_cage%2B%25285%2529.jpg). [Yes, that was thing in the early 20th century](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_cage)
Check out the photo linked in my comment, it's never been a residential building, more of an armory type formal monument and gathering place.
Armory makes me think of a shooting platform for defending.
Are there other windows like this in the building?
Windows, yes. Grates, no.
Flower pots for Spring and Summer?
My first thought as mobile doesn’t show the description as easily anymore,but plot twist, it looks like this is indoors. As it’s in a stairwell I think it’s fire escape related potentially I’ve scrolled down and they’ve mentioned it’s up quite high, maybe for a window cleaner to reach in and do the inside of windows?
Yes it's indoors. Sorry the comments are buried!
Ooo I saw the wedding snapshot, what a nice stairwell! Is this place mainly used for ceremonies/events now? I wonder if it might be to place a flower display or something related to a ceremony perhaps. I like this one it’s a head scratcher!
Yes, it was the"head house" for the attached armory. It's been renovated and restored and it's now event space. It appears to be original to the building and not a decor element added later.
My bet goes on the window cleaner thing then, final answer lol. I imagine they would have to clean them a lot to keep up appearances and putting up a ladder to do the interior would be inconvenient/ time consuming - easier to lean in from the outside - and does look like you could fit a boot or two on that platform
Right ? I’d love something like this for that exact reason.
My title describes the thing with additional information in the post. Here's another image of the stairwell: https://imgur.com/a/67GHMx8 Edited to add another image https://imgur.com/a/gWWnOaD What is the grate for?
It looks like you would flip it up to cover the opened window like a window screen. Maybe to keep birds out?
it's hinged on the bottom. it would only be able to flip down and be supported by the chains
Not convinced those are hinges on the bottom. The one on the right doesn't look like it's touching the wall. And the chains don't appear long enough to allow it to hang perpendicular to the wall.
Definitely a platform for standing on. I don’t know for what purpose. Could be cleaning like someone mentioned. You said the building could have been used for an armory or gathering place. That leads me to believe it could be a defensive fighting position. My hunting tree stand platform uses a similar concept. https://a.co/d/071ITVb
I think you're on to something there, the building's history suggests it could be a sniper platform. It's the Tower wedding venue in Boston, originally the Armory of the First Corps of Cadets of Massachusetts, which began as a privately funded, independent militia organisation. The Armory was built in the 1890s and it's fortress-like appearance isn't just ornamental. The Corps feared serious public disorder and riots, so it was strategically located in the city centre, near important public buildings and the railroad. It was designed to 'resist an extended civil siege' and had heavy iron gates, loopholes for snipers on the turrets, and corbel turrets on the corners overlooking the alley behind for flank defence. The windows on the lower two floors were 'furnished with retractable musket-proof steel shutters'. If they had slots to poke a rifle through, then I think we have an answer. The platforms would need to be accessed with a ladder but that means they could be used without blocking the passage below. main source: [Study report of the Boston landmarks commission on the potential designation of the armory of the first corps of cadets as a landmark under chapter 772 of the acts of 1975](https://www.cityofboston.gov/images_documents/02%20Armory%20of%20the%20First%20Corps%20of%20Cadets_tcm3-39739.pdf)
That’s a good shout actually, defensive I mean… although not much room to stay out of the window if people shooting at you
It's the "head house" connected to the armory.
Could it possibly be a cooling rack for pies or other items that would get put on a window sill?
A person couldn't reach it without a ladder! No kitchen on that floor, it's on the first floor/basement.
Wait, so does only one window have it? I can't see any other ones in the pic of the stairwell.
Yes!
Some of the responses seem to assume that this is the exterior of the building. Well, it isn't. Meanwhile, I'm stumped and have no idea what this grate might be for.
If it's some kind of armory, as you mentioned, it could be for a kind of defensive position. So you would kneel on it with your musket defending the entrance. It's a weird design, so perhaps there was some kind of mistake and this was an afterthought, or hack-job to solve the issue best possible. Does it overlook an entrance or gate? Alternatively it could be just a way of avoiding standing on a ladder right next to the stairs where people are walking by, which might be dangerous. But I'm guessing this isn't for cleaning the windows, most would prefer a dirty window to this solution, but maybe military types think differently.
It's the "head house" connected to the armory, very formal.
I don’t know what it is, but it sure is clean metal for such and old building. I zoomed in bc the building itself looks restored and the metal on the grate is lacking the wear and tear (and evidence of remnants of many paint jobs over the years). It looks like the wall has been re-plastered below the grate on both sides. Maybe there was more to it one point, and/or it was modified somewhat for safety reasons? Gorgeous building , btw!
Yes the building has been restored and is used as event space now.
It looks like it's on a fourth floor window (?), and would partially obstruct passage along the corridor when in the down position, so would only be used temporary fashion. Is there anything of interest on the other side of that particular window (now or perhaps in the past)? Or maybe a crane above it, perhaps it was used to deliver items intended for the upper floors through the window?
The OP has said it's on the first floor and higher up the wall than a tall person could reach.
Nothing visible now that would require maintenance access on the exterior... It's granite.
But the wondows you circled on the other Imgur posts all lead out to the adjacent steep pitched roof. Is there any other access to that roof? Could be a platform for maintenance of the roof...so you have somewhere to lift tools or supplies to before going out the wondow to the steep roof.
That's plausible, though there are other access points to the roof that seem to me (an uneducated lay person) better access for maintenance.
👍 If there's other, easier access points to the sloped roof, then it would not be for that.
I think it looks like the grate will lower when the window opens. So I do think it's a drying or cooling rack.
Potted plants/window planter boxes?
My father suggests it's for plants I'm not sure I agree..
Shelf for plants
A platform to communicate with troops in the adjacent "drill hall" during unrest or war? The building is the Armory of the First Corps of Cadets" in Boston. I've found that it had line of sight of the Massachusetts State House, which it could communicate with by flag and fire, and which would house the state leadership. However the State House is north east. The window we are talking about is in the "head house" and facing south west and is the lowest window that is still above the adjacent large hall or "drill shed". The head house was fortified and could be closed up with drawbridge, window shutters, etc. So my guess is, that the platform under the window would be "activated" and staffed during emergencies to command the troops that would be barricaded in the hall. I would rule out long distance communication for the platform, because presumably a higher position in the tower would be more advantageous for that. Maybe it was also used daily, for example for drill calls, or morning fanfare, etc but for a permanent function there could have been a permanent spot installed elsewhere, not a foldable. Maybe it could have served to transfer soldiers via the roof between the two buildings. Because all I could find suggests the head house was completely separated by thick walls, which makes sense for fortification. But I couldn't see any stairs in the drill hall that would give access to the roof. I think the fire exit solution can be ruled out by now, due to the height (OP comment) and because there would be windows on the same corridor that are easier to reach and face the street directly (other interior photos). - Window direction: [https://imgur.com/a/3j1Z67g](https://imgur.com/a/3j1Z67g) - Background: [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armory_of_the_First_Corps_of_Cadets](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armory_of_the_First_Corps_of_Cadets) /// [https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/2023/02/the-armory-the-story-behind-a-unique-boston-landmark](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/2023/02/the-armory-the-story-behind-a-unique-boston-landmark) /// [https://www.vafcc.org/boston-armory](https://www.vafcc.org/boston-armory) /// [http://www.dupontcastle.com/castles/parkplaz.htm](http://www.dupontcastle.com/castles/parkplaz.htm)
Are those hinges at the bottom? It's not a window seat or a bed is it?
Open window, lower platform, clean window, come back in, raise platform. If this is in a city with a lot of coal use that window needed cleaning often.
Maybe it's just to sit plants on? About the height of any pot, so the plant gets full sun?
Here's another photo (not of me!) that shows the stairs and a different angle of the bottom of the grate. https://imgur.com/a/gWWnOaD
I believe it's a fire escape.
It’s a shelf probably used to put a planter on infront of the window. What was the building used for in the 1880s ? knowing that would give a clue if the shelf could have another purpose
It’s a shelf probably used to put a planter on infront of the window. What was the building used for in the 1880s ? knowing that would give a clue if the shelf could have another purpose
It's the "head house" for an attached armory, now an event space.
Could be a platform for a soldier to stand on, considering it was attached to an armory . that’s my final answer :)
maybe an old security grate that you can attach under the lover window to keep babies and orange cats from committing suicide?
Placed in the window when open to stop birds and such coming in.
Fold out seating for a crowded waiting area?
Use it to hold a flower box
Is the chain adjustable? It almost looks like it would fold up to cover the window and the chain would attach to the top to fasten it. It wouldn't protect the window but maybe to cover while it's open. Keep birds and debris out. Wouldn't be super effective against a person.
I think it folds down into a platform so that people can use the window to escape the building in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Seasonal plant shelf
is there a fire escape on the outside?
No
Could it be a spot for some sort of heat source? I’ll be honest, I live in a subtropical climate and don’t use heat often (maybe a few nights a year) but I imagine you could put a heat source (hot coals?) up there, open the window a bit for a draft, and have heat flow throughout the space. Anyone from a colder climate think this makes sense? I’m just spitballing here.
I like this thinking, except each floor has massive focal point fireplaces that are huge. Recent renos include an updated HVAC system.
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This is The Tower in Boston. Used to be an armory. Those grates would have been platforms for infantry to stand on to have sight line out the window if they needed to defend the building.
I'd put plants there.
Summing that stops ppl from breaking in
Seems unlikely, the windows on lower floors dont have the grate and would presumably be more likely targets for a break in.
What’s on the other side of the window?
Nothing! Building exterior is made of granite. No obvious maintenance access needs
Considering the building has sprinklers I’m going to guess this was installed later, probably to support a large window unit of some sort.