What is this item on the Door?

I just purchased several old doors from an Icehouse in North Carolina that dates back to the thirties and was wandering if anyone has the expertise to help me in identifying its usage. It is a curved heavy wire on a spring loaded mechanism located 18 inches below the middle hinge on the door. I would appreciate any help. Thanks


Joe,

 

The Photos Didn't Take, Trying to post some new ones.

 

I have similar thing (smaller version) inside a letter holder cabinet door for use to put envelopes and notes. Maybe this was used to hold a clipboard or notepad?

 

Do you have a photo of it, it would be neat to see. Thank you for your answer. I love restoring old doors and windows for resell.

 

Please note that I was just guessing. There’s members here that really know their stuff. Better to wait for one of them..

 

I just went to go check again. Maybe I must just to correct myself not the same shape,but I was thinking maybe the same function.. You did say spring loaded. This is from a antique A&N CSL (Army & Navy Co-operative Society Ltd) letter holder/storage little cabinet. Anyway maybe Iam completely wrong (I get that a lot,)

 

looks like a handle..........or maybe a tool holder as well...

 

Thank you for the pics, I am always looking to learn, It is either a tool holder or possibly a door Stop spring loaded to keep the door off the wall.

 

I'd go for a handle as well. either to grip it better with thick gloves or to overcome the vacuum easier when opening.
other possibility would be a hook on the wall to keep the door open.

 

the majority of paint loss does seem to occur on the far outer edge,..

 

I'll agree with this - using it as a handel I'd be worried getting my fat fingers caught in the small loop!

 

I'm sure your qwakqwaks will come and liberate you.

 

Come to find out, It is a door stop. When the door opens up and comes close to hitting the wall, the spring pushes the door slightly open to keep it from hitting anything on the wall.

 

Thanks for the confirmation.

 

Seems like a clever solution! And, welcome to Antiquers, @Joe Bradley .

 

Well fooey - so much for my "qwakqwaks" giving me a helping beak