Thanks to everyone for their comments and suggestions.
It seems the bar may indeed date from the period roughly between 1900 and 1930. I've added a few more images - quickly discovered in a couple books I had handy, after being directed by your leads.
http://www.flickr.com/
I'm sure there are others showing similar bars mounted upright as well. I'll check for those shortly
BOB HANSON, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, USA
**************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15?ncid=aolhom00030000000001)