I Found This Strange Object and Had Absolutely No Idea What It Was — The Answer Turned Out to Be Surprisingly Simple (And Deeply Comforting)

it may be perfectly suitable for everyday use.

Simply place a compatible roll of tape onto the dispenser’s spindle or holder, pull the tape across the cutting edge, and tear off the amount you need.

If the mechanism is delicate or the object is particularly valuable, however, you may want to preserve it rather than subject it to regular wear.

How to Care for a Vintage Desk Accessory

If you’ve discovered an old tape dispenser, resist the temptation to aggressively clean or polish it before determining what it’s made from.