What a thing: the strangest finds. Issue 142
Solid brass thing 
Dialer for rotary phone. You insert the ball into the correct number on the disk, instead of using your fingertip, and turn.
A rubber thing attached inside a ski jacket 
This is a phone holder.
Here's how it works 
Golden ring with thin plastic. Approx 1cm 
Golden ring with thin plastic. Approx 1cm
Sphere on four telescopic legs 
It was found out that this is a phone holder.
Here's how it works 
Looks exactly like the thing in the original photo, except for the magnet that holds the phone. Apparently, either it is not visible, or it is lost.
Bronze artifact found off the coast of the north-eastwaste Brazil. Kept in the family for many years 
Many old ships used compass stands with dolphin-shaped legs. I can bet that initially there were three such pieces, as in the example below.
An example of such a compass 
Wooden thing about 180 cm high 
This is a laundry press. Home textiles can be stored there, and a press is needed so that the fabric is neatly folded and remains smooth.
What is this dot on the mirror in the hotel? They seem to be behind glass. 
This is what happens when the silvering of the mirror deteriorates. It could have come from any chemicals or heat.
What is this container with a rooster on the stove used for? 
Commentators found out that this is a humidifier. Such stoves dry out the air in the room. Water is poured into the container, it evaporates and moistens it.
Piece of foam rubber from the local water authority 
This is a water watcher that reminds children to save water.
Mounted on a crane 
The Hawthorne Effect — it's when people act differently when they know or feel they're being watched — choose healthier meals at lunch with their sports friends or become more productive at work when you're sitting next to your boss's office.
Does anyone know what this oval glass dish was used for? 
Commenters reported that this is a vintage dinner plate, and the round indentation is needed in order to put a mug or glass there.
