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.
Nothing. It isn't hollow.
The military ball has its origins in the formal social events held by military officers dating back to the 19th century. These events provided an opportunity for officers and their partners to come together in an elegant setting to celebrate and honor military achievements. Over time, military balls have evolved into ceremonial gatherings that include traditions like the presentation of colors, formal dress code, dinner, speeches, and dancing. They continue to serve as important social and professional events in the military community.
The mayans they called it pok ta top
A punctured ball is usually called a "burst ball" in soccer parlance.
The game is based off of a British game called Rounders. They both were created in the mid 1800's. It was also called Town Ball. Base-Ball ( hyphenated ) was a common spelling during the Civil War.
A simple ball or plate on top of a flagpole is called a truck. More elaborate designs can be called a finial.
Nothing. It isn't hollow.
The ball atop a flagpole is called a truck. Contrary to legend, it contains no bullets, matches, wheat, or other items.
A Truck
While I was in the military I was taught that three thing were in it all were symbolica bullet to defend the flag to the last mana grain of wheat to plant and start overa match to burn the flag rather than surrender itYou have been watching too many reruns of Mission Impossible or something. There is nothing in the finial of any flagpole that will destroy the flag.
That would be 2 shapes counting the top ball... The actual pole would be a Cylinder The ball on top would be a Sphere
Probably not, as it is metal, not glass. But it will be dented if landing on a hard surface.
So if it is far away, you can see where you need to hit the ball instead of looking for a tiny hole.
When New York City banned the traditional fireworks display, Alfred Ochs, owner of " The New York Times" commissioned a large, illuminated seven hundred pound iron and wood ball attached to the flagpole on his building. It was lowered precisely at midnight to signal the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. The first ball was dropped in 1908 going on to 1909.
The razor is to cut the flag. The match is to burn the flag. And a bullet to kill yourself during a time of retreat.
It basically means is it possible? If a ball is pottable, the ball is on.
Just hitting the ball itself is called "contact." Any other terms depend on what happens after contact is made. A few terms are: base hit, infield fly, fly out, infield hit, bounce out, ground rule double, sacrifice fly.