In our OED, I find that an "Olive" is an oval-shaped termination on a cord
or tassel. The "olive" is passed through a buttonhole and helps attach a
cord of tassel closure to a garment, curtain, etc. This can be seen in
certain elaborate military uniforms of the last century. By induction,
could an "Olive" be a termination on a metal or timber hook that is meant
to hold a handtowel. Some early handtowels did have buttonholes in one
corner. This seems to be the only element missing from the washroom
reconstruction (except perhaps a soapdish and a toothbrush holder).

Michael Bogle
Historic Houses Trust of NSW

 that is meant to >Yesterday I more or less verified my assumption by
asking a craftsman:
>
>'Olive' (in German) is called the little round metal plate surrounding a
>keyhole. By analogy I could imagine what an olive is in plumbing.
>
>Greetings,
>Fritz
>
>*******************************************             #
>Friedrich WAIDACHER
>-------------------
>Klosterwiesgasse 44, A-8010 Graz
>Austria                                                                     &
>Tel/Fax 43-316-826264
>-------------------
>Moenchegg 34, A-8742 St. Wolfgang-Kienberg
>Austria                                                     * * *
>Tel/Fax 43-3578-8216                                        ;
>--------------------                                       o
>email: [log in to unmask]                               ''
>http://www.webmuseen.de/Waidacher/
>*******************************************
>                                               &
>
>
>                                                                   #

Mike Bogle & Peta Landman
429 Riley Street
Surry Hills, Sydney
Australia 2010
(61) (2) 9212 7069