I was completely confused. They were too small to be paperweights and too heavy to be toys.
I jokingly told my mom that it looked like a “baby dumbbell” for an infant who really wanted to get in shape, or perhaps a fancy “bone for a glass dog.” She laughed and suggested it might be a weird vintage salt roller, but neither of us actually had a clue.
What Are These Mysterious Objects?
They are glass dumbbell paperweights or crystal dumbbell-shaped objects. They are decorative objects that were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
A decorative item. They were used as decorative objects.
A paperweight. They were used as paperweights.
A conversation piece. They were used as conversation pieces.
A symbol of status. They were a symbol of status.
A popular collectible. They are a popular collectible.