What's That Thing: The Strangest Finds. Issue 229

There are many unusual things created in the world to solve problems that you don’t even suspect until someone tells you about them. But the irony is that when people get their hands on such extraordinary objects, a new problem arises: to understand what exactly they were made for. unusual things.





Old glass with four pictures



Slides for the "magic lantern". They should be inserted into the projector for a slide show.

What is this round metal object on the grounds of a colonial-era home near New England?



It looks like a part of some mill, reminiscent of a modern coffee grinder with a conical burr.

All this is made of antique silver



On the left is an olive spoon, in the middle is a lemon fork, and the device with a chicken foot is an ice tong.

This brass item was always sitting by the fireplace and no one in my family had any idea what it was



This is an iron for ironing frills and ribbons.

Found in an old farmhouse, I think it's some kind of chemistry set. What was it used for?



This is an old steam inhaler.

It seems to be something for determining distance



A curvimeter. This is for old paper maps. Just draw the desired route, use the readings and the map scale in miles/km to find out the actual distance.

It may be a set of measuring tools



These are test objects for checking vision.

Found while cleaning my grandparents' house. A box about 110 cm long, with my grandfather's name engraved on the metal tube. But what is it?



It turns out that this is a sampler. The author's grandfather owned a vineyard in Bordeaux and imported wine. Apparently, this tool was used to take samples from the barrel.

What is this ring that my Uber driver randomly clicks on?



This is an alternative to the rosary, a counter for prayers. It helps not to lose count when you need to repeat words a certain number of times.

Discovered by a metal detector in a Minnesota park where other objects were found, circa 1860s



A mold for casting lead soldiers.

Unusual small silver box with a wing on a chain inside



This is a bag hook. You hang it on the table so that your bag does not touch the floor.

Found while cleaning the estate. At first glance it seems that it is for storing liquid, but there is a large hole at the bottom



A trap for wasps. Sweet liquid and dishwashing detergent go to the bottom. Stinging insects fly in, the soap reduces the surface tension and covers them. They die/drown.

Leather thing with a strap



Blackjack. It's a kind of self-defense tool. However, check your local laws on how to carry it.

I found this on the ground. Yellow, lightweight, made of plastic, still sealed



Car air freshener with vanilla scent.

Found this oddity in a thrift store. I guess home decor or a box for something special



I think the middle part should be rotated to make a serving tray.