What's That Thing: The Strangest Finds. Issue 231

Here is a new part of our irregular column "Explain to me what this thing is". The post definitely needs no introduction. So let's not waste precious minutes and invite everyone to watch it right away!

1. What is this round metal object on the territory of a colonial-era house near New England?





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

2. Old glass with four pictures



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

3. All this is made of antique silver



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

4. The brass object was always by the fireplace, and no one in my family had a clue what it was



This is an iron for ironing frills and ribbons.

5. 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.

6. It seems to be something for determining distance



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.

7. Found this while cleaning my grandparents' house. It's about 110cm long, with my grandpa's name engraved on the metal tube. But what is it?



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

8. 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.

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



A mold for casting lead soldiers.

10. An unusual little 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.

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

12. Leather thing with a strap



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

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



Car air freshener with vanilla scent.

14. Found this oddity in a second-hand store. I guess home decor or a box for something special



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