While cleaning my old house, I came upon these items, which seem familiar to me.

The mysterious object was a shoe horn — a practical tool designed to help the foot slide more easily into a shoe while protecting the heel and shape of the footwear.Shoe horns have been used for centuries, with their history reaching back at least to the 15th century in Europe. Early versions were often made from natural materials such as animal horn, bone, or wood. These materials were strong, smooth, and useful for everyday life, making them ideal for helping people put on shoes without damaging them.At that time, shoes were often much stiffer than they are today. Many were made from firm leather and did not bend as easily as modern footwear. A shoe horn made the process easier by guiding the foot into the shoe and preventing the back from being crushed or bent.This was especially useful for tight, expensive, or carefully made shoes. Instead of forcing the foot inside and weakening the heel area, people could use the smooth surface of the shoe horn to protect both the shoe and the wearer’s comfort.As time passed and metalworking improved, shoe horns began to be made from materials such as brass, steel, and other durable metals. These versions lasted longer and often featured more decorative details. Some were simple and practical, while others were carefully crafted with elegant handles, engravings, or polished finishes.