"Spotted in a public restroom. Middle part rolls freely. Any ideas?"
A: "There used to be a rubber roller around the middle piece. These usually get solved as a door-stop and/or purse hook. The roller reduces the chance of something getting caught on a static rubber bumper, like clothing as you pass it."
Very funny and creative Hiram!!!
I use to work at a resort in Aspen and some of those folks are just as you described.
obviously you are not rich.
Can't be. It is fixed to the wall.
I think Hiram is right.
If tis is really old, the cover should be made of tin, but sometimes it was lead. -> Check it is is tin bevor you use it