17 unusual antiques that amaze with their purpose (18 photos)

Today, functional gadgets of the latest generation and innovative gizmos are winning the hearts of millions of people and causing the cherished: “I don’t know why, but I need this.”





Nevertheless, no matter how expensive the latest developments are, some antique things passed down to contemporaries from past generations are still more expensive than any sophisticated modern device. Antiques, preserved by some people, are literally priceless, as they retain the spirit of past eras. Thanks to care, many items have not even lost their useful functionality, and their appearance has remained virtually unchanged. Isn't that great? Network users proudly share photographs of their property, and we share the most interesting of them with you.

A jewel probably given by Queen Victoria herself in 1884



My great-grandmother valued this jewelry very much and wore it only on special occasions. Then she passed it on to her granddaughter, and she passed it on to hers. So she ended up with my mother.

Corner chair in English Georgian style, made around the last quarter of the 18th century. Found at Raby Castle in County Durham





1890s apartment steam radiator with built-in food warmer



In European and American houses of the late 19th century, one could see an extremely unusual heating device - a cast-iron radiator with a special cabinet for dishes. Such devices were installed in kitchens or dining rooms. This miracle first appeared in 1892 in the USA. Somewhat later, the device appeared in European homes.

Shrapnel from an artillery shell, which was later turned into a pendant, 1915



The talisman itself is wrapped in 14-karat gold and made in the form of a pendant.

“This early 20th century antique crib has been in my wife’s family for several generations.”



One of the relatives brought it from China. It is a pity that no other information has been preserved.

This is a huge birdcage more than 2 meters high! Victorian style in design is clearly visible



Such cages were intended for large birds. They are of French origin from the 19th century. It is curious that such products are made by craftsmen even today.

Antique holder from a sewing kit, 1920



This is a walnut thimble holder with a felt pad in the lid. It is convenient to store pins and needles.

Antique silver lipstick case



By 1915, lipstick was sold in metal cylindrical containers. Women had to use the tip of their fingernail to slide a tiny lever on the side of the tube to move the lipstick to the top of the case.

French chain mail and 18k gold coin purse



An eerie and unusual brooch from 1900



This brooch was probably used not only for decoration, but also for protection against the evil eye. This was a common practice in those days.

Antique funeral home fan



Such fans were used to expel insects and eliminate the smell of corpses. Most of them had lanterns on both sides to illuminate the coffin.

18th century champagne bucket



“One of my prized possessions. A full bottle of typhoid vaccine from World War II."



Victorian wax seal



This charming print was made around the mid to late 1800s.

French palanquin from the early 18th century with original glass



A palanquin is a special covered stretcher that was used to transport noble and wealthy people.

Vintage silver toothbrush with replaceable brush



Hand-carved 1920s hearse



Funeral cars were originally made in the same workshops as horse-drawn carriages. Therefore, similar motifs often appeared in designs. When decorating ritual cars, carvings were often used, and flowerpots, columns and sculptures of various shapes were used for decoration.