Scrolly thing at the end of the rail or handle.  For decoration, also something to grab hold of when you need support or balance.

A spiral curve on a handrail.  A

Fred Griffin - Bingo!

Yea, like Fred Griffin said... the scrolly thing at the end of a handrail.  

I had to become a sexagenarian to learn this one? Unbelievable! Well done Fred Griffin, not only for knowing but being the first one in also.

A horizontal scrolled termination to the handrail of a stair.

Now I too know.  I am always learning something new on AR.

I have to admit, I had no idea. Well, I'm not sure how long I'll remember the word...:) 

I didn't know that is what it was called, in fact I didn't know there was a specific name for it :-) Kasey

I a glad that Fred knew.

How does Fred Griffin answer everything so quickly...and correctly?!?

It's in the photo 

some figure or patten made from a wooden lathe.....

I learned something new

Fred Griffin is smart.  And quick.  Plus he provides excellent visuals. 

If I knew this answer I would try out for Jeopardy. Instead, I keep trying to go four for four on Wayne Martin daily trivia!

Oh Fred!

Yeah Fred Griffin ..great answer!!

I am so late to the party ... again.  

An ornamental spiral or curved to the left or right end of a handrail of a staircase 

@__

Its a bullnose sprial shape onnthe railing 

the end of the handrail spirals like a snail's shell or a coiled snake.

It is a spiral scroll-like ornament that forms the basis of the lonic order

I would have been close with "the thing that makes you say ouch if you hit it when sliding down the handrail."

Barbara Todaro Now, I know the meaning of "Volute."

Sprial or curves in the handrail.

Please forgive the humor here.  The way your question is worded is somewhat ambiguous.  If the word is somehow written on the handrail, then I'd say graffiti.

Thanks for the reminder. I did not recall the name.

Of course he did LOL

I was going to guess 'Crotch Stopper'

It's a rounded corner.

Thanks

Fred Griffin nailed this one!

Ahhhh...yet another contest....a stable sort of finial is how I would describe it.

He beat me. Althoug youngsters may call it the landing area when sliding down a long handrail

Barbara Todaro - and now I know...

Congratulations, Fred on getting the right answer.

Had not heard of this, thanks for sharing.

Hello Barbara,  Thanks for expanding my knowledge on the subject.