12 unusual inventions of the 19th century that you have not heard of (13 photos)

Many people think of the 19th century as an era frozen in black-and-white photographs and yellowed documents. But textbooks rarely tell us about the amazing finds of that time — strange inventions, forgotten treasures, and technologies that were ahead of their time.





All over the world, curious artifacts from the 19th century are still being discovered. Some seem brilliant, others absurd, but they all remind us of the insatiable human thirst for discovery. Some of these creations have sunk into oblivion, others were underestimated by their contemporaries. However, even centuries later, they continue to excite the imagination. These things aren't just quirky throwbacks. They show how bold ideas (even bad ones) paved the way for modern technology.

1. The Revolver-Knuckle Duster - A Victorian Hybrid Weapon



In the 1890s, gunsmiths experimented with unusual combinations, and one of the most daring inventions was a revolver built into a brass knuckle duster. The compact and discreet double threat was loved by gangsters, travelers, and adventurers.

2. The Grave Collar





In the 1820s, when anatomical theaters and medical schools were in dire need of cadavers for research, a wave of body thefts from cemeteries swept across Europe and the United States. In response, a grim but brilliant invention emerged: the "coffin collar." A massive metal collar with spikes was attached to the neck of the deceased before burial. If a robber tried to pull the body out of the coffin, the spikes would dig into the flesh, rendering the corpse useless for sale.

3. Women's Self-Defense Glove, 1850s



In an era when women's safety depended on umbrellas and prudence, London gunsmith Walter Somersby patented the "honor glove," a sleek accessory with hidden claws that extended when the fist was clenched.

4. 1800s Secret Staircase in a Victorian Home



In 19th-century Victorian homes, secret staircases were more than just a fad. They served as a strict social boundary and were used for servants, secret visits, and even escape.

5. Sundial with a cannon



In an era when mechanical watches were a luxury and peasants and townspeople had to get up at dawn, one inventor came up with a "solar alarm clock" - a clever device that combined ancient technology with Victorian ingenuity. Fine gunpowder was poured into a special recess on the dial. When the sun rose to a certain height, a beam passed through the lens, igniting it. And a pop was heard. If the season was cloudy, you could light a long fuse in advance, which would go off after a calculated time.

6. French Chestnut Crushers



In rural areas of France, Italy and Switzerland in the 19th century, there was a curious tradition of crushing chestnuts with feet in special boots with spiked soles. This was not entertainment, but a practical way to clean the crop before drying and selling. The soles of the shoes were equipped with blunt wooden or metal spikes that cracked the shells but did not damage the kernel. People simply walked on the scattered chestnuts, like on grapes in a press. Children often did this. For them, it was both work and fun.

7. Pepperbox Pistol



In the 1840s, when revolvers were just beginning to conquer the world, the real star of self-defense was the pepperbox pistol - a multi-barreled pocket monster, nicknamed the pepperbox.

8. An 1840s medical inhaler for administering ether for anesthesia



In 1846, the world of medicine was turned upside down when Boston dentist William Morton first publicly used ether anesthesia during surgery. A year later, the first portable inhaler appeared, resembling a strange glass decanter with a leather mask.

9. 1830s Clockwork



10. 1890s Luxury Travel Convertible



In an era when transatlantic voyages took weeks and rich ladies carried up to 30 dresses, a brilliant hybrid appeared - the steamer trunk dresser. It was not just a piece of luggage, but practically a portable bedroom for aristocrats with drawers, shelves, hangers and secret compartments. Such gadgets were actively used by transatlantic passengers, actresses and diplomats.

11. The Eccentric Penny Farthing of the 1880s



In the Victorian era, when bicycles were just beginning to conquer the streets, the Penny Farthing became a symbol of technical audacity. And some ridiculous falls, too. It got its name for its resemblance to British coins: a huge front wheel (the "penny") and a tiny back wheel (the "farthing").

12. A Luxury Dollhouse



In the 1880s, dollhouses weren't just toys. They were perfectly detailed replicas of real houses, created to demonstrate status and wealth. The most luxurious examples were commissioned from furniture makers and even architects.