What's That Thing: The Strangest Finds. Issue 196

We regularly come across things that we cannot immediately identify. All these incomprehensible things excite the imagination and torment us with doubts, but here, as always, experts from the Internet come to the rescue, who easily and quickly solve all the mysteries.

“In the UK, I find similar deformed glass everywhere. The most interesting thing is that they are often next to absolutely normal glass”

This is “moon glass”. Glass was made in a similar way several centuries ago. They were cheaper to produce, so they were often used in establishments. Today, this is just a decorative element and a piece of history.

"My granny kept this thing all her life. I've been trying to figure out what it's for since I was a kid"

It's a candle extinguisher. It probably had a handle at one time, but it broke off.

"Found this thing in an antique store"

A bottle opener on one side and a salt shaker on the other.

Interesting wooden thing with carvings, rattles when used

This is a vintage water ladle.

Metal chain with clips. Each clip has a small decorative ornament

This is a napkin clip that was used during meals.

"Our family thing. The inner stick rotates freely"

This is a shuttle for a loom.

"I found some silver balls on a chain in a wholesale jewelry store"

At one time they had to be inserted into the upper parts of the cloak - the chain held it closed.

"I found these "sticks" at my grandmother's. Any idea what they are?"

They cost a fortune! And all because these are mechanical pencils from the Victorian era.

"Some kind of multi-layered fabric. I found it in an antique store in a box of napkins"

This is a holder for bread tortillas. They are laid out in "pockets" and stay warm longer.

Egg-shaped double-ended spoon

This measuring spoon, which probably came with baby food.

"Found a small rusty metal thing in the river"

This is a figurine from the steering frame of a bicycle, which were produced in France before 1913.

"No idea what this thing is, but I want to buy it"

This is for real coffee lovers - a coffee maker with a siphon.

"Does anyone know what these tiny hands are?"

This is a fig amulet, supposedly for protection from the evil eye.

Unidentified keychain-like thing

This is a broken gasoline lighter. The small threaded protrusion should hold the wick and be covered with a lid.

Porcelain or ceramic items. They are fairly light and do not appear hollow. They have a flat base and no visible holes

Japanese chopstick holder.