The internet was recently perplexed when a user asked for help determining what this weird thing was.
After discovering it in a nightstand drawer, the person shared a snapshot of their discovery on Reddit’s ‘What Is This Thing?’ subreddit.
Many folks couldn’t figure it out…
…Until someone pointed out that it could be an old version of an item many of us use to keep our nails looking good!
People have always cared after their nails, and one instrument that has endured the test of time is the nail buffer. These small devices, which are frequently neglected in the enormous realm of beauty equipment, have an intriguing history of their own.
Back when our forefathers were still working out the whole grooming thing, nail buffers were primitive at best. Consider smooth stones or leather bits employed to polish those nails to a gloss. It was all manual labor, but it did the job!
Fast forward to the Victorian age, when refinement was the name of the game. Nail care improved, as did the instruments. Enter the era of elegant, frequently silver, nail buffers. These beauties were not only practical but also decorative on the vanity table. Imagine beautiful engravings and complex motifs that elevate the commonplace process of nail polishing to a sumptuous level.
As we entered the twentieth century, invention took center stage. Electric nail buffers debuted, promising faster results and less elbow grease. These inventions were a game changer, especially for people with a hectic schedule or a general dislike for manual labor. Who knew polishing could be so effortless?
But wait—there’s more! The modern period introduced not only electric nail buffers, but also a wide range of materials and designs. A nail buffer is available in a variety of materials, including elegant stainless steel and colorful plastic. Some even include built-in nail files and polishers, making them a versatile must-have for any beauty fanatic.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in antique nail buffers. Collectors and vintage enthusiasts alike value the craftsmanship and nostalgia that these artifacts conjure. Furthermore, there is something irresistibly appealing about utilizing an instrument that has endured the test of time.
So, whether you favor the old-school charm of antique nail buffers or the ease of modern electric ones, one thing is certain: manicure care will remain a timeless pastime. Who knows what the future holds? Perhaps we will see nail buffers that can buff and paint your nails in the blink of an eye. Wouldn’t that be something?
