Unusual and amazing things from the past (14 photos)

Modern gadgets may seem unusual, but our ancestors encountered much more amazing devices! Technological innovations of the past often make us smile with their massiveness, strange design and questionable practicality. We have selected 12 photos of old devices that were once considered advanced, but now look more like props for a comedy show.

Mickey Mouse gas mask designed to calm children in an emergency, 1942





Soviet children from Siberia stand in front of a UV lamp in winter, 1980s



17-year-old Briton Bryn Owen with his Vespa scooter, Leicestershire, 1983 year





Telegraph wires in Pratt, USA, 1910s



A child's chair from the 1940s



5 MB IBM hard drive, 1956



Rain goggles for racers, 1930s



In an open car, the fan would start spinning at about 24 km/h, driving the small windshield wipers and clearing the lenses of water.

Avant-garde TV design



Two electric battalions on the streets of New York, 1898



Electric battalions are battery-powered electric vehicles that were used as the first taxis in New York. As you can see, the drivers in such transport are behind the passengers.

Sir Vival 1958. A concept car created by Walter S. Jerome as the safest car in the world



The most notable features of the car were the two-section engine and cabin, as well as the driver's turret.

Robot "Sibiryak", USSR, 1965



This is a mechanical tour guide who was supposed to tell visitors about the exhibits of the exhibition pavilion "Professional Technical Education" of VDNKh.

"Apache Revolver", 1900s



In the early 20th century, French gangsters used weapons that functioned as a revolver, knife, and brass knuckles.

A bicycle with spring wheels used by the military, 1900s



Bonus: Inflatable Superman at the Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, 1940