Strange antique object has internet stumped

The internet was recently left stumped after a person took to the internet to ask for advice on what this strange object was.

Having located it in a bedside drawer, the person posted an image of their find on Reddit‘s ‘What Is This Thing?‘ sub-reddit.

Most people couldn’t figure it out…

…Until someone commented that it could be the antique version of an object many of us use to keep our nails looking fresh!

Nail care has been a timeless pursuit for people throughout history, and one tool that has stood the test of time is the nail buffer. These little gadgets, often overlooked in the vast world of beauty tools, have a fascinating history of their own.

Back in the day, when our ancestors were still figuring out the whole grooming thing, nail buffers were rudimentary at best. Think smooth stones or pieces of leather used to rub down those nails to a shine. It was all about manual labor, but hey, it got the job done!

Fast forward to the Victorian era, where sophistication was the name of the game. Nail care became more refined, and so did the tools. Enter the era of ornate, often silver, nail buffers. These beauties were not only functional but also served as decorative pieces for the vanity table. Picture delicate engravings and intricate designs, making the mundane task of nail buffing feel like a luxurious affair.

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