I found this hanging from the basement rafters of my 100 year old house. It appears to be two marbles or something similar in a hanger of some sort. Any one have a clue what this could be?” Flrst c.o.m.m.e.n.t.

 

First Comment: What Is This Strange Hanging Object From My Basement?

I love a good mystery, and this one is especially intriguing because it comes with all the right ingredients: an old house, a strange object, and a hint of forgotten history. You found something hanging from the basement rafters of your 100-year-old home—two marble-like spheres in some sort of hanger. That description alone could fit several different items, but the fact that it was hanging in the basement suggests it might have been intentionally placed there for a purpose, not just left behind as a random object.

So let’s dig in and try to figure out what this could be. I’ll explore the most likely possibilities, share a bit of history, and give you a few practical steps to narrow it down.

---

1. It Could Be an Old Insulator or Electrical Component

When people hear “two marbles in a hanger,” their first thought is often “insulator.” That’s because old electrical insulators—especially from the early 1900s—often look like small glass or ceramic globes and were used to hold wiring away from wood or other surfaces.

In the early days of electricity, wiring standards were very different from today. Homes often had exposed wiring, and the insulators were a necessary safety feature. Sometimes they were mounted on walls, but they could also be hung from ceilings or rafters.

Why this is plausible:

• Your house is around 100 years old, which fits the era when exposed wiring was common.

• The object is hanging, which is exactly how some early electrical insulators were installed.

Why it might not be:

• Most insulators from that era were single units, not two “marbles” paired together.

• Insulators were usually made of ceramic or glass, not necessarily “marble-like.”

Still, it’s worth considering, especially if your basement had old wiring or evidence of early electrical work.

---

2. It Might Be a “String of Pearls” Style Glass Decoration

Another possibility is that it’s a decorative piece. In the early 1900s, people sometimes hung small glass ornaments in basements, attics, or porches—especially if they were part of a larger decorative fixture.

This could have been part of:

• A broken chandelier

• A decorative hanging lamp

• A piece of a stained-glass window

• A string of glass beads used for ornamentation

Why this is plausible:

• The “two marbles” look could simply be glass beads.

• Basements often become storage for broken or unused decorative items.

Why it might not be:

• Decorative pieces are usually found in attics or storage, not hanging from rafters.

• It might not have any functional purpose if it’s just decorative.

Still, it’s a possibility, especially if your house had ornate lighting or decorative glasswork.

---

3. It Could Be Part of an Old Plumbing or Heating System

Old homes sometimes had unusual plumbing and heating fixtures. Two glass spheres could have been part of an old system used for:

• Monitoring water flow

• Measuring pressure

• Controlling a valve

Some old steam or heating systems used glass gauges that looked like bulbs or marbles. If your basement had old pipes or remnants of a boiler system, this might be related.

Why this is plausible:

• Basements often housed boilers, pipes, and mechanical systems.

• Glass components were sometimes used in early systems for visibility.

Why it might not be:

• Glass gauges were usually mounted directly on equipment, not hung from rafters.

• Two marbles together in a hanger doesn’t fit typical plumbing designs.

Still, if your basement shows signs of old mechanical equipment, it’s worth considering.

---

4. It Could Be a “Rodent Deterrent” or Pest Control Device

This might sound strange, but people have used all kinds of methods to deter rodents or birds. Hanging objects, especially reflective ones, can sometimes be used to scare pests away.

If these “marbles” are glass and reflect light, they could have been hung to:

• Deter mice or rats

• Keep birds from nesting

• Reflect light and make the area less inviting to pests

Why this is plausible:

• People in the early 1900s used homemade pest deterrents.

• Basements are a common place for rodent problems.

Why it might not be:

• Most pest deterrents were more practical (like traps or poison), not decorative glass.

Still, it’s a creative theory and worth considering.

---

5. It Could Be a Spiritual or Superstitious Object

In many cultures, hanging objects like glass spheres or beads are believed to ward off evil spirits or bring good luck. Even in early American homes, people often used protective charms or symbols.

This could have been:

• A good luck charm

• A protective talisman

• A “scrying” object (used for divination)

Why this is plausible:

• Old houses often have items that reflect superstition or tradition.

• Glass spheres are sometimes used in folklore.

Why it might not be:

• This is the least scientific explanation and harder to verify.

• Most people don’t leave spiritual objects hanging in basements unless they believed in them strongly.

Still, it’s an interesting angle.

---

6. It Could Be a Piece of a Child’s Toy or Game

A surprising number of strange objects found in old houses are actually parts of toys or games that were lost or forgotten.

Two marbles in a hanger could have been:

• Part of a homemade toy

• A game piece

• A decorative item for a child’s room

Why this is plausible:

• Basements are where old toys end up.

• People often make DIY toys from glass or marbles.

Why it might not be:

• Toys are usually found in storage boxes, not hanging from rafters.

Still, if your home was a family home for many decades, it could be a remnant of childhood.

---

7. It Could Be a Component of a Weather or Humidity Device

Some old homes used simple devices to monitor humidity or temperature. These often used materials that expanded or changed in some way.

Two glass spheres could have been part of:

• A simple humidity gauge

• A primitive weather instrument

• A balance or weight mechanism

Why this is plausible:

• People used simple physics devices in early home maintenance.

• Basements often had instruments to monitor moisture.

Why it might not be:

• This is less common and harder to identify.

Still, if your basement has signs of moisture control or old instruments, it’s worth exploring.

---

What to Do Next: How to Identify It

If you want to solve this mystery, here are a few practical steps:

1. Take Clear Photos

Take close-up photos from multiple angles. Make sure the lighting is good so we can see any markings, textures, or seams.

2. Check for Markings

Look for:

• Manufacturer stamps

• Numbers

• Letters

• Any engravings

These can be key to identifying the object.

3. Test the Material

If it’s safe, tap it gently:

• Glass makes a distinct sound.

• Ceramic sounds duller.

• Plastic sounds different.

You can also try holding it up to light to see if it’s translucent or opaque.

4. Look Around the Basement

Check for:

• Old wiring

• Pipes or heating equipment

• Other similar objects

• Any evidence that it was part of a larger fixture

5. Ask Local Historians or Antique Experts

Local historical societies or antique shops often have people who can identify old fixtures and tools.

---

Conclusion: A True Mystery With Many Possibilities

Based on your description, the most likely possibilities are:

1. An old electrical insulator or component

2. A decorative glass piece from a chandelier or lamp

3. Part of an old mechanical/boiler system

4. A pest deterrent or charm

5. A toy or decorative item

But without seeing a photo or having more details, it’s hard to say for sure.

If you can share a picture, or describe:

• The size

• The material

• Whether it’s hollow

• Any markings

• Whether it’s connected to anything

…then we can narrow it down much more.