The object you found hanging from the basement rafters of your 100-year-old house is quite intriguing. Based on its appearance, it consists of two translucent orange marbles or spherical objects encased in a flexible hanger, possibly made of rubber or plastic. The hanger is looped around a nail or hook embedded in the wooden rafter. Given the age of the house, this object could have historical significance or serve a practical function that was common in older homes.
1. Razor Blade Sharpener
One of the most common theories about objects like this is that they were used as razor blade sharpeners. In the past, barbers and individuals who used straight razors needed a way to maintain the sharpness of their blades. Some sharpening tools incorporated marbles or glass spheres to help hone the edge of the blade. The flexible hanger could have allowed the marbles to move slightly, aiding in the sharpening process.
2. Photo or Artwork Drying Clip
Another possibility is that this object was used as a clip for drying photographs or artwork. In older homes, especially those with darkrooms, people would hang their freshly developed photographs to dry. The marbles could have been part of a mechanism that held the photos in place without damaging them. Similarly, artists sometimes used clips like this to suspend their paintings or drawings while they dried.
3. Homemade Toy or Decoration
Given the simplicity of the design, it is possible that this object was a homemade toy or decoration. Marbles were widely used in various games and crafts, and someone might have fashioned this hanger to store or display them. The flexible material of the hanger could have been chosen to prevent the marbles from getting damaged.
4. Part of an Old Electrical or Mechanical System
In some older houses, marbles were used in certain types of switches or indicators. The hanger could have been used to suspend the marbles in a specific position for functional purposes. While this is less common, it is worth considering if your house has any remnants of old electrical or mechanical systems.
5. Jewelry or Accessory
The marbles could have been used as decorative elements, and the hanger could have been designed to wear around the neck or wrist. The fact that it was found hanging from the rafters suggests it may have been stored or forgotten there over time.
6. Sentimental Keepsake
It is also conceivable that this object has sentimental value. It might have been created by a previous occupant of the house as a keepsake or memento. The marbles could have been collected or gifted, and the hanger could have been fashioned to preserve them.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Given the age of the house, this object could have cultural or historical significance. Marbles have been used in various cultures for centuries, and the hanger could be part of a traditional craft or practice. Researching the history of the house and its previous occupants could provide more clues about the origin and purpose of this object.
Conclusion
The object hanging from the basement rafters of your 100-year-old house consists of two orange marbles encased in a flexible hanger. Its unusual appearance and context suggest several possible explanations, including a razor blade sharpener, a photo or artwork drying clip, a homemade toy or decoration, part of an old electrical or mechanical system, a form of jewelry or accessory, a sentimental keepsake, or an item with cultural or historical significance. Further investigation into the history of the house and its occupants may provide more insights into the nature and purpose of this intriguing object.
Would you like help researching the history of your house to see if there are any clues about this object’s origin?