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**Unveiling the Mystery: The Marble Hanger Found in Your 100-Year-Old House**

Discovering an unusual object in the rafters of a century-old home is like finding a hidden chapter of history. One such intriguing artifact is a peculiar item resembling two marbles suspended in a wire hanger. At first glance, it might seem like a forgotten toy or a decorative piece, but its true purpose is rooted in practicality and innovation from a bygone era.

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### **The Object in Question**

The item in question consists of two glass or clay marbles encased in a metal frame, designed to hang from a hook or nail. Its design is simple yet curious, prompting many to wonder about its original function. This object has been identified as a vintage razor blade sharpener, commonly used in the early to mid-20th century.([atraverslesport.com][1])

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### **Historical Context and Functionality**

In the early 1900s, before the widespread use of disposable razors, men relied on straight razors for shaving. To maintain the sharpness of these razors, various sharpening tools were developed. One such tool was the marble razor blade sharpener. The marbles in the device acted as honing stones, realigning the microscopic teeth of the razor blade to extend its usability. By drawing the blade between the marbles, users could achieve a smoother shave without the need for frequent blade replacements.

These sharpeners were often sold door-to-door by traveling salesmen, who demonstrated their effectiveness in prolonging the life of razor blades. Despite their initial popularity, the advent of disposable razors and advancements in blade technology led to the decline of such manual sharpeners.

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