A simple ball or plate on top of a flagpole is called a truck. More elaborate designs can be called a finial.
A Truck
The razor match and bullet may symbolize readiness for self-defense or protection of the nation. Placing them in the ball atop a flagpole could be a way to show strength and preparedness in times of conflict.
Nothing. It isn't hollow.
just the right answerThe ball is called a "truck". There is NOTHING in the ball. Anyone who thinks there is a bullet, a grain of wheat, a match, etc in that ball is having their leg pulled (see urban legends). The ball is to keep the flag from getting suck on top of the pole when the wind blows. Think about it. Slight Correction:Actually, it's properly called a "finial." A "truck" is the bolt that holds the finial to the pole, but has become commonly used to refer to the finial, especially in military communities.As far of the myths of what they contain, I'm going to get a flagpole, and fill the finial with a razor, a match and a bullet. It's a great legend, though absurd.From Experience:I have the truck and ball that came off the top of a 68 foot high flagpole from a WWII military base. I was involved with removing the pole, so I know the ball is real.It is copper and approximately 7.5 inch in diameter. And there are at least two things in the ball. Something light and something heavier. I would guess it to be a razor blade and a bullet.The right ANSWER is:The ball is usually called a finial. A truck is the stationary or revolving part that has a pulley that the halyard (rope) goes through. The finial ball or eagle is screwed into the top of the truck assembly. The finial is actually any thing mounted to the top of the truck such as a ball, eagle, cross or star or any other symbol. In the U.S. Army, an eagle atop a flagpole truck is called a sparrow.
Truck
Truck
A flagpole!A flagpole!A flagpole!A flagpole!
That would be 2 shapes counting the top ball... The actual pole would be a Cylinder The ball on top would be a Sphere
The brass ball on top of a flagpole is designed to be durable and withstand normal weather conditions. However, if it falls from a significant height, it may break upon impact with the ground or another hard surface.
It is called a numerator.
pulley.