“My Grandma Died Recently and This Was in Her Stuff. Any Idea?” — The Story Behind the Mystery Object
It’s a scene played out in attics and basements across the world: family members sorting through the life’s work of a loved one who has passed. Amidst the jewelry and old letters, someone finds an object so strange, so specific, and so “old-world” that nobody knows what it is.
Recently, a photo went viral on Reddit showing a handheld wooden device with a notched wheel and a velvet-lined interior. The caption: “My grandma died recently and this was in her stuff. Any idea?”
The internet did what it does best: it solved the mystery in under an hour. Here is the fascinating history of the “Mystery Tool” that belonged to your grandmother.
The Verdict: It’s a “Glove Stretcher”
While it looks like a bizarre surgical tool or a nutcracker, it is actually a Victorian-era Glove Stretcher.
Before the era of stretchy spandex and “one-size-fits-all” apparel, gloves were made of fine kidskin leather or silk. They were designed to fit like a second skin—so tight that they were often difficult to pull on, especially after being washed or stored in a humid cedar chest.
How it Works:
The long, narrow “fingers” of the tool were inserted into the fingers of the glove while it was closed.
The user would squeeze the handles, causing the wooden fingers to expand outward.
This would gently stretch the leather from the inside out, making it easier to slide the hand in without ripping the delicate seams.
Why Grandma Kept It: A Glimpse into the Past
If you found this in your grandmother’s belongings, it tells you something about her (or her mother’s) life.
Status and Etiquette: In the early 20th century, a lady never left the house without gloves. They were a symbol of social standing and “proper” attire.
The “Slow” Life: Tools like this remind us of a time when clothes were an investment. You didn’t throw things away; you maintained them with specialized tools like glove stretchers, button hooks, and collar stays.
The Material: Because gloves were often made of animal hide, they would shrink if they got wet in the rain. This tool was the only way to “reanimate” a pair of expensive leather gloves.
Evolution of the “Mystery Object”
| Era | Common Material | Usage |
| 1880s–1910s | Ivory or Boxwood | Daily essential for the social elite. |
| 1920s–1940s | Silver-plated or Bakelite | Still used for formal evening wear. |
| 1950s–Present | Plastic (Rare) | Mostly retired as “vintage decor” or used by historical reenactors. |
Other “Grandma Mystery” Items (The Runners-Up)
When people post “What is this?” photos on Reddit, these are the other common items that leave the younger generation baffled:
The Silent Butler: A small metal box with a handle used to sweep crumbs off a tablecloth.
Hair Receivers: A small porcelain jar with a hole in the lid, used to collect hair from a brush to later make “hairwork” jewelry or pincushions.
Butter Pat Mold: A small wooden stamp used to press a floral design into a single serving of butter.
What Should You Do With It?
If you’ve inherited a glove stretcher, don’t throw it out!
For the Collector: They are highly collectible, especially if they are made of sterling silver or carved bone.
For the Decorator: They make excellent conversation pieces when displayed in a shadow box or on a vanity.
For the Practical: Believe it or not, they still work perfectly for stretching out tight leather fingers on modern winter gloves!
