ledge or shelf

[Mher]

What is the meaning of the underlined words? Is there another synonym?
"A careful investigation rendered it evident that she had revived within two days after her entombment — thather struggles within the coffin had caused it to fall from a ledge, or shelf, to the floor, where it was so broken as to
permit her escape." (http://poestories.com/read/premature)

 

[The Maltese Falcon]

A ledge or a shelf is something with a flat surface on which objects can be placed.

Another synonym would be: Counter.

I hope this helps!
TMF

 

[Mher]

A ledge or a shelf is something with a flat surface on which objects can be placed.

Another synonym would be: Counter.

I hope this helps!
TMF

What do you think about "pedestal"?

 

[The Maltese Falcon]

A pedestal is indeed something with a flat surface on which objects can be placed, but it is unlike a ledge or shelf in that it is not attached to anything (a wall etc) and so it stands independently.

 

[Mher]

A pedestal is indeed something with a flat surface on which objects can be placed, but it is unlike a ledge or shelf in that it is not attached to anything (a wall etc) and so it stands independently.

Thank you very much. Your clear explanation supported my efforts at finding the equivalent version in Armenian. One native speaker is much better than any 100,000-word dictionary.