What Did I Just Find in My Basement? The Mystery of the “Two Marbles in a Hanger” in Old Houses
Old houses have a way of surprising you. From hidden newspaper clippings in walls to forgotten tools tucked into floorboards, there’s always a relic from another era waiting to be discovered. But every so often, a find surfaces that leaves even seasoned homeowners scratching their heads.
That’s exactly what happened with a curious object found hanging from the rafters of a 100-year-old basement: two glass spheres—looking very much like marbles—suspended inside a small metal hanger or wire frame. No moving parts, no markings, and no clear purpose at first glance. Just two mysterious orbs dangling from a beam like a forgotten talisman.
Naturally, the internet had thoughts.
First Impressions: What It Looks Like
At first glance, the object seems almost decorative—like a tiny ornament or charm someone forgot to take down. The glass resembles marbles, the metal frame looks handmade or early-manufactured, and the whole piece carries that unmistakable patina of age.
But as anyone who’s lived in an early-1900s home knows, most oddities serve a practical purpose—even if it’s not obvious today.
What the Comments Had to Say (Crowdsourced Wisdom)
People who encounter objects like this often turn to online homeowner communities, where the theories tend to fall into a few common—and surprisingly plausible—categories.
Here are the most frequently suggested explanations you’d find “in the comments”:
1. Old-Fashioned Lightning Rod or Electrical Insulator Component
Some commenters suggest that the glass spheres resemble insulator marbles, which were used in various electric, telegraph, or early-lighting setups.
Glass was a common non-conductive material, and houses from the early 20th century are full of remnants from changing electrical systems.
Why this might fit:
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The object was found in the rafters, near structural beams
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The marbles appear to be made of insulating glass
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The hanger looks like it could have secured wiring
2. A Counterweight or Leveling Device
Others speculate it may be part of an old leveling tool, scale, or balance system.
Before modern conveniences, homeowners improvised clever systems using weighted objects to keep doors aligned, windows balanced, or trapdoors held in place.
Why this idea shows up:
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The glass weights are evenly sized
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The hanger resembles the shape of a vintage plumb or counterbalance
3. Part of a Mason Jar, Oil Lamp, or Decorative Fixture
Decorative or functional glass components from antique jars, lanterns, or kerosene lamps sometimes break off or get repurposed. A previous homeowner might have hung the piece simply because they had nowhere else to put it.
Why commenters think this:
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The glass looks like old lamp or jar glass
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The hanger has a utilitarian “storage hook” vibe
4. The “Good Luck Charm” Theory
Homes over a century old often contain folk items left behind intentionally. From bottles in walls to horseshoes over doors, settlers and early homeowners believed in protective symbols.
Some commenters think the marbles could be a simple household charm hung for good luck or protection.
And honestly, it wouldn’t be the strangest thing found in an old basement.
What It Probably Isn’t
While creativity abounds online, most knowledgeable restorers agree the object is unlikely to be:
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A weapon or trap
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A children’s toy (at least, not in its current form)
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A scientific instrument
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Something dangerous
Still, any unknown vintage object should be handled with care—old hardware can contain sharp metal edges, lead, or brittle components.
The Most Credible Conclusion
Based on typical findings in similar old homes, the most likely explanation is that the object was once part of an electrical or structural component, most often:
👉 a small glass-and-wire insulator assembly used in early household wiring or telegraph/phone installations.
Old houses often retain fragments of outdated electrical systems—even after the rest was removed. Homeowners sometimes hung leftover pieces on rafters simply to get them out of the way, and then… they stayed there for a century.
Final Thoughts: Old Houses Always Keep Secrets
Finding mysterious objects like this is part of the charm—and the puzzle—of living in a home with history. Whether it’s a forgotten tool, a vintage insulator, or a household superstition from a bygone era, every object has a story tucked inside it.
And sometimes, uncovering that story is half the fun.
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