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There's something profoundly moving about objects that bear the marks of time and touch. Each groove in an ancient stone staircase tells the story of countless footsteps that came before us. Every smooth, worn handle has been shaped by thousands of human hands going about their daily lives. These images capture that quiet poetry of use—the physical dialogue between people and their surroundings that happens so gradually we rarely notice it happening.

From marble steps hollowed by centuries of pilgrims to wedding rings carving their place in a lever, these photographs reveal how time transforms everything it touches. They showcase not deterioration but evolution—the slow-motion collaboration between humans and their environment that leaves its signature on everything from door thresholds to wedding rings. These 46 remarkable photos remind us that wear isn't always about decay—sometimes it's about recording life itself.

#1

For A Lot Of People, He Is A Good Boi

Bronze sculpture of a person holding a dog, displaying wear over time.

Scatola Report

Senjo Krane
Community Member
6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a statue representing a model north's italian family in the city of Trento. This is near a gigantic and wonderful monument of Dante Alighieri, near the main train station. According to Scatola the OP

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    #2

    The Way This Rolling Iron Gate Has Worn A Track Into The Bricks

    Old brick pavement with visible wear from gate wheel, demonstrating effects of things-used-over-time.

    MattPatch Report

    nm
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The threshold of Lions Gate at Mycenae has similar marks, caused by kings and aristocrats chariots. Now the threshold has been covered by a ramp, to protect it from the hordes of tourists.

    #3

    Stone On This Italian Castle Being Worn Down By 700 Years Of Rainfall Dripping Off The Roof Into The Exact Same Spot

    Worn stone steps showing signs of use over time.

    Wolfdijon Report

    #4

    These Medieval Steps

    Stone steps carved into a rocky path, leading to an ancient archway, showcasing things used over time in architecture.

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    #5

    My Cutlery Used To Be Gold-Coloured But Has Turned Iridescent Over Time

    Drawer holding cutlery with iridescent wear, showcasing things used over time.

    OkConfection4818 Report

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    #6

    The Floor In Front Of The Register Has Worn Through All The Floors Since This Restaurant Opened In 1924

    Floor worn over time shows layers beneath, revealing different materials, surrounded by checkerboard tiles and sneakers.

    _KingPuck_ Report

    #7

    The Bottom Of My Shoes Have Worn Down And Revealed Little Smiley Faces

    Worn shoe sole showing smiley face pattern, highlighting everyday things-used-over-time.

    azizlight1989 Report

    #8

    The Way This Door Was Worn Down By The Bell

    Door with worn wood spot above handle from repetitive use over time.

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    #9

    Mouse Still Works, The Owner Couldn't Figure Out Why I Was Snapping This Picture

    A hand holding a computer mouse with a red laser, a monitor and keyboard in the background; Things-Used-Over-Time.

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    #10

    My Wife’s Baby Blanket That She Still Keeps Under Her Pillow. (TV Remote For Scale)

    Worn-out white netting on a wooden floor with a remote control, showing effects of things used over time.

    Butcher_of_Blaviken6 Report

    Jay Scales
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like to hold onto things, but even I think it's probably time to let this go....

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    #11

    Same Boots 3 Years Apart

    New boot compared to an old, worn-out boot, illustrating things used over time.

    jacksonag99 Report

    #12

    This Terrace In A Parisian Café

    Worn pavement pattern from chair legs outside a cafe, showcasing things used over time.

    ArmandGrizzli Report

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    #13

    Someone Said I Should Post This Here, So Enjoy!

    Worn path on concrete showing erosion, illustrating objects used over time.

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    #14

    After 6 Years As A Carpenter I Think My Hammer Is Starting To Reveal My Accuracy

    Close-up of a textured hammer head in a workshop setting, illustrating things used over time.

    BBQLunch Report

    #15

    The Marble Steps Of The Leaning Tower Of Pisa, Well-Worn After Centuries Of Use

    Worn stone steps showing erosion, illustrating things used over time.

    MontyHudson Report

    nm
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I climbed them to the top back on the 70s

    #16

    My Dad’s Old Fire Helmet Beside His New One

    Two fire helmets on display, showing wear over time and equipment changes.

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    #17

    My Copy Editor Father's Collection Of Worn Down Pencils

    Pencils arranged by size, showing things used over time on a wooden table.

    OhBall Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mother saves pencils until they are stubby nubbins like this. It drives me insane XD It actually hurts my hand to try to write with them.

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    #18

    My Radio Button Has Worn Out To Be A Victorian Portrait

    Old car radio buttons, showcasing things used over time, with band and seek options.

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    #19

    My Building Installed A New Lock In April With A Very Secure Passcode

    Worn number pad lock with visible wear over number 7, illustrating things used over time.

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    #20

    My Dad Bought These Wallets 25yr Ago And Just Switched To The Second For Xmas

    Two leather wallets, one new and one aged, illustrating things used over time.

    He bought three of these buffolo leather Coach wallets roughly 25 years ago. He's had the one on the right my entire life and just switched to the second one yesterday as an Xmas present to himself. Amazing how leather wears.

    hikercarl , hikercarl Report

    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have had my wallet for 45 years and I've carried it in my rear-right trousers' pocket almost every day. The black leather has a beautiful patina, and the wallet has become curved to the exact shape of my buttock to the extent that I don't even feel it when it's in my pocket but notice instantly when it isn't. Sadly, the stitching has deteriorated to the point where I'm soon going to have to bite the bullet and buy a replacement, but it's going to be like losing an old friend.

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    #21

    The Old Floor Of A Pizza Place Reveals Itself In Front Of The Counter

    Worn tiles in a colorful pattern show change over time.

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    Trillian
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's so much prettier than the new one

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    #22

    Three Generations Of Chuck Taylors

    Three Generations Of Chuck Taylors

    Mister_Snrub Report

    #23

    Queen's Guards Boots After A Year Of Public Duties At Buckingham Palace, St James' Palace, Tower Of London, Windsor Castle & Other Occasions

    Worn shoe soles showing things used over time with metal reinforcements.

    William_UK Report

    nm
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His left foot was the good one.

    #24

    500 Circulated $1 Bills Next To 500 Uncirculated $1 Bills

    Stacks of worn bills next to new ones, showing things used over time differences on a desk.

    DalaiMontana Report

    LizzieBoredom
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Too bad this isn't in England because age adds 20 pounds.

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    #25

    Worn-Out Top Of Playground Post Looks Like The Moon

    Worn playground dome shows signs of use over time, with a child playing in the background.

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    #26

    This Screwdriver That Has Been Worn Down From Years Of Scraping Grip Tape At A Skate Shop

    A worn screwdriver on a wooden surface, showcasing its wear over time.

    ProdigyLightshow Report

    #27

    Worn Camshaft Sprocket From 1970 vs. Brand New

    Old gear with worn teeth next to a new gear, highlighting changes in things used over time.

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    #28

    The Steering Tiller On My Airplane Is Worn Because Of People’s Wedding Rings

    Worn aircraft steering handle showing signs of use over time, with labeled controls for operating.

    Xander395 Report

    Trophy Husband
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People's? What he said " my airplane " I assumed he meant the airplane that he owns, but wouldn't that mean that he's the only pilot? I always assumed it really rich people aren't on here. I can't imagine Elon musk or Bill Gates talking about their private planes on Reddit or Ford Panda.

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    #29

    Worn Down Stairs From 1901

    Worn marble stairs showing signs of things used over time, with smooth indents from frequent use.

    Palifaith Report

    Senjo Krane
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That looks downright dangerous. I can see me slipping and sliding on my a*s all the way down.

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    #30

    The Sleeve For My Moms Work ID Before Today She Said She Hadn’t Taken It Out In 10+ Years

    A well-worn ID holder displaying wear over time, set on an office desk with a coffee cup nearby.

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    #31

    ATM In China Shows The Fear Of 4

    ATM keypad with buttons for cancel, correction, and accept.

    jaapgrolleman Report

    Trophy Husband
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And as a security expert, this means that if I were in China I would use the number four in all of my pins.

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    #32

    My Grandfathers Belt (Left) Roommate Found The Exact Belt Almost New At A Thrift Store (Right)

    Two leather belts showing usage over time; one aged and worn, the other newer with distinct embossed patterns.

    bonecrusherr Report

    Trophy Husband
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks a lot like a scout belt that I own, but haven't worn in years.

    #33

    My Old 54 Mm Skateboard Wheels Next To My New 54 Mm Skateboard Wheels

    Hand holding a new and used skateboard wheel side by side, illustrating things used over time.

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    #34

    Well Worn Cat Scratcher (Featuring The Assailant Herself)

    Two cat scratchers on a bed, one used over time, with a curious cat inspecting them.

    FylanDeldman Report

    CozyBear
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Her face is saying “I accept the challenge to break it’s spirit!”

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    #35

    My 2 Year Old Antenna Topper vs. New

    Colorful, rainbow-striped foam objects in the shape of mouse heads, illustrating wear and use over time.

    Portalapprentice Report

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What's an antenna topper? Is it just for amusement or serves a purpose?

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    #36

    The Paint On This Chocolate Shop's Door Is Worn Away Perfectly To Reveal All Of Its Previous Colors (Traverse City, Mi)

    Kilwin's shop door showing signs of wear, with faded paint highlighting things used over time.

    imgur.com Report

    #37

    Worn Down Brick On My Key Chain. (2 Years In Use)

    Green LEGO bricks showing signs of use over time, one attached to a keychain.

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    #38

    This Brushed Pylon Has Been Worn Into A Mirror From People’s Hands Rubbing It On The Way Down The Steps

    Shiny metal post by the ocean, illustrating things used over time, with rocky background and beach visitors.

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    #39

    12 Year Old iPod Compared To A Fully Restored One

    Two iPods on striped fabric; one is scratched, showing things used over time.

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    #40

    Same Brush Head 20 Years Apart. Definitely Owes Us Nothing

    Old broom vs. new broom, showing the effects of things used over time in a workshop setting.

    IeuanE Report

    Charlie the Cat
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone remember this. The "Only Fools and Horses" quote about Trigger's broom: "There's an old saying, look after your broom. And your broom will look after you." Trigger then clarifies, "No Dave, just look after your broom." This quote highlights the character Trigger's dedication to his road sweeper's broom, even though it has had 17 new heads and 14 new handles over its 20 years of service.

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    #41

    My Laptop’s Keyboard Cover After 6 Years Of Daily Use

    Worn keyboard cover showing key usage patterns over time, highlighting Things-Used-Over-Time concept.

    Apologies if this is a common type of post but I found it fascinating to see what the most-worn letters are, and my favored spacebar-hitting spot. Also the poor command and arrow keys almost completely gone. Can you tell my handedness from this?

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    #42

    Oven Brush After 20 Months In My Bakery

    New and used Chef Master grill brushes, showing signs of things used over time.

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    #43

    This Fan Was Once Completely White. Only Some Parts Changed Over Time

    Tall beige and white appliance with buttons on top, illustrating things used over time indoors.

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    Jay Scales
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes! I have plastic appliances that look as if they belong in a smoker's palace!

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    #44

    These Glasses Cases, Carried Everyday In My Pocket For A Year Or So

    Two Timberland cases, one new and one worn out, illustrating items used over time.

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    #45

    My Friends 1996 Purple Doc Marten Compared To A New Black Vegan One

    Worn and new boots side by side, illustrating things used over time, on a dark surface.

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    Jesse
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not vegan leather, it's plastic

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    #46

    My Friend’s Favourite Jeans Back Pocket, Where She Always Keeps Her Phone

    Close-up of worn blue jeans with frayed pocket and small hole, illustrating things used over time.

    Background_Peace_892 Report

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