What's That Thing: The Strangest Finds. Issue 223

Here is a new episode of our irregular column "Explain to me what this thing is". The post probably needs no introduction. So everyone is welcome to the post! Let's see what's new for the Internet experts.

1. A small metal cylinder in the wall of a 19th century house with a small lever and a damper.





A speaking tube is a device used in Victorian England. There were metal tubes in the walls. To call a person in another room, you had to blow into the tube, then a whistle would be heard in the other room. To answer, you had to pull the lever.

2. Flashing cylinders under the bed in a hotel room



These are smart bed legs and insect and rodent detectors in the form of small cylinders with indicators, they are usually installed on beds in hotels.

3. An object resembling a small gun at the airport



A device for safely unloading a gun or a bullet catcher. After removing the magazine and inspecting it, people insert the gun barrel into a small hole in this device and pull the trigger. The device catches the bullet in case someone unloads the gun incorrectly. It is used in gun rooms, shooting ranges, and police stations to prevent accidental shots due to errors during inspection.

4. A small sealed flask on the beach



British A.C. Delay Fuze ampoules (WW2) - an artifact of the Second World War. Chemical detonators with a delay for magnetic mines, used by saboteurs. An ampoule with acetone is inserted into the detonator, when closed it is crushed, acetone dissolves the celluloid, releasing the striker.

The time before the explosion depends on the color of the ampoule and varies from 6.5 hours for red to 8.5 days for purple. Such things can be found on beaches where the sea throws them.



5. Large square and round objects floating in the water near the power plant



Spray nozzles. They throw water into the air like a fountain to quickly cool it down, instead of dumping it directly into the river, which can lead to an increase in the water temperature in the river and disruption of the aquatic ecosystem.

6. Interesting golden thing with a small handle



Toothpaste dispenser.



7. Wooden high post on the bike path



A device for counting passing people and cyclists.



8. An object similar to a screwdriver, with serrations on the end



A tool for cleaning tire treads from stones.



9. Two-piece brass design with engraved image



Antique opium pipe.

10. Metal object with a figured tip



Holder for window shutters.