What a thing: the strangest finds. Issue 148

And here is a new series of our irregular column dedicated to incomprehensible, but amusing gizmos that different people find from the vastness of the Web. So, "Explain to me what this thing is?" again with us. Let's see what they unearthed today.

I found some strange green lights. They are located on the walls of the gas station. What is this?





This is a modern trap for flies: they are lured by a green light, and inside there is an adhesive zone that will not allow them to get out. In addition, customers are not deterred by the unattractive appearance of the device.

I bought Nike sneakers. Inside the box was a plastic bubble filled with strange microparticles.



Probably, this is a keychain in which particles of unrecycled plastic are packed. In this peculiar way, the company decided to show how it cares about the environment (offering customers, in a sense, to get rid of microplastics themselves).

I have seen this cane-shaped brass post in numerous bars and pubs. What it is?



These chimneys are installed to prevent patrons from standing near an opening section of the bar that allows bar staff to enter and exit.

A small elephant filled with water. Arguing with the neighbors about what it could be for



This is a melted reusable ice cube.

What is this thing I found in the basement of an old psychiatric hospital?



This is a big autoclave. The device is used to sterilize mattresses and bedding.

I found this using a metal detector. Not magnetic, does not spark when grinding. This item is very heavy and durable.



It turned out to be an ancient bronze casting. It was handed over to the museum for further research.

What is this large sphere of mesh material?



This is part of a sculpture or decoration. Most of all, it looks like a work of art that can be seen at music festivals.

Vessel made of blue glass with a hole at the top. It says Made in Morocco on the bottom. What is this?



This is a bottle of vintage Moroccan perfume.

It looks like some kind of scientific equipment. What could it be?



This is an alembic — apparatus for distilling various liquids.

A richly decorated antique wooden frame with stretched fabric, what is it?



It's called "fireplace screen". It is placed near the fireplace to block the bright light of the fire.

Does anyone know what this little silver spoon is for?



This is a salt bed. It was used at a table on which there were small plates of salt.

What is this strange silver bottle?



Probably a vintage travel flask.

Obviously homemade welded metal frame with three unvarnished plywood panels. What is this for?



This is a device for dry training hockey players: they run in place on such things, pushing off the side panels, like on skates.

A mug with a small cup inside. What is this?



This is a cup for pills. Tablets are placed in a small cup, water is poured into a large one. You place your lips on the small cup, and as you tilt it back, water flows from the large cup into the smaller one to help you swallow your medicines.

An item in the shape of an anchor made of silver. Hollow inside, opens and closes



Original holder for toothpicks.

What is the vertical slot in the hotel bedside table for?



This slot is needed to store a laptop or tablet while charging overnight. A great solution that helps not to take up the entire nightstand.