10 mysterious gizmos whose functions required some serious research to figure out (14 photos)

While sorting through your ancestral home or browsing the selection at thrift stores, you can find real treasures.





Of course, this is more of an exception, but even simply curious objects whose purpose is difficult to decipher are objects of intense interest for lovers of antiquities and mysteries. But for online enthusiasts, no mystery is unsolvable, so thanks to them, these mysterious objects will not only be given their names but, quite possibly, a second life.

1. A small, hollow metal device with a handle, the top of which is hinged like a pair of scissors.



Dish warming rack.





2. Small, Semi-Enclosed Spoon with a Hole



A pediatric medicine spoon. Designed to facilitate the administration of medication or feeding patients. The semi-enclosed surface prevents liquid spillage. Medication could be administered through the opening at the end, which also helped avoid contact with the patient's tongue. Similar spoons were produced in Europe between 1701 and 1900.

3. The case with numerous heavy drawers belonged to my grandfather, a dentist.



A horizontal card file is a system for storing cards that are stacked on top of each other and secured in shallow drawers.

4. Black pen with a metal rod, came with used sports equipment.



Forearm exerciser.



5. Wooden box on hinges with a thermometer, metal ring, and tool kit, found at a thrift store.



A wine set, including a metal stopper, aerator, thermometer, and drip ring. The empty compartment should contain a corkscrew.

6. A fairly heavy cup on a hook.



An old miner's lamp powered by animal fat, used in mines in the 18th century.

7. A metal tool with two moving blades from a thrift store.



A fishing spear.

8. A small yellow ceramic whale, hollow inside, with a rough surface



Tea Pet. Tea pets are part of the Chinese gongfu tea tradition, which dates back over 1,000 years. They have a beneficial effect on the various energies of those participating in the tea ceremony – whether it's wealth, brought by a three-legged toad, or good fortune, bestowed by a qilin (a horned, scaly dragon with the body of a horse). These figurines are placed on the tea table and bring good luck and prosperity when they are "treated" by pouring water or tea on them.

9. A heavy, bell-shaped object



An olla is a clay pot used for underground drip irrigation. It is buried in the ground next to the plants, filled with water, and the water slowly seeps through the porous walls directly to the roots. This method saves up to 70% of water, prevents weed growth, reduces labor costs, and allows plants to be left unattended for long periods.



10. Metal Spiral Design on a Stand



Vintage chromed metal spiral letter holder.