What is this thing: the strangest finds. Issue 172
Curious and strange things will never end! At least, resourceful and curious seekers from the Internet never tire of proving this. And today it’s time again for a new series of our column “How can you break the ice”... oh, that is, “Explain to me what this thing is?”
“What is this insanely heavy piece of glass with bubbles inside? It says '1978' on it."
Answer: It looks like a paperweight, used to prevent stacks of papers from being blown off the table by gusts of wind. Nowadays they are used mainly as decorations.
“Mom found this in Dad’s locker. What is this anyway?!”
Answer: The classic model of the Sunbeam Mixmaster mixer was equipped with a juicer - a bowl that was attached to the top of the mixer. Juice was pouring out of it. It also contained a small strainer for separating the pulp from the juice.
“What is this strange glass ball in a metal frame?”
Answer: This is a Campbell-Stokes solar recorder. The sphere focuses sunlight, burning a path onto the card, which is mounted on a stand. The depth of burning on paper shows the intensity of sunlight during those time intervals while the sun is in the sky.
“What is this thick wooden stick?”
Answer: Possibly used with a singing bowl. You need to lightly move the stick along the edge, and the bowl begins to vibrate.
“What kind of stool is this with a very narrow back?” Does she have some special purpose?
Answer: Swivel chair with 3 legs. In principle, there is no special application.
“I found this at my grandmother’s house: a glass vase with a metal lattice inside.”
Answer: It is designed to accommodate cut flowers.
“This thing is made of leather, about 40 centimeters long. Any ideas?"
Answer: It looks like a decorative tassel from a handbag.
“I found this stainless steel contraption while cleaning the laboratory.”
Answer: This is a glass tube cutter! I have used it many times in the chemistry lab.
“I found it in the closet. Made entirely of glass with tapered openings all around.”
Answer: Used to hold a flower arrangement in a vase.
“Does anyone know what that little hole on the inside of the ring is for?”
Answer: The hole is designed to prevent changes in air pressure from damaging the ring.
“What kind of glass object is this? It is quite heavy, without any markings, with a very narrow opening at the top."
Answer: This was once an oil candle.
“I found a ring in the garden. After cleaning I saw that it did not look like an ordinary ring. Any ideas?"
Answer: This is a Georgian/Early Victorian era ring, worn as a mourning ring. The initials belong to a deceased loved one. They were usually made of gold (18k+) and coated with black enamel. It looks like your ring was made around 1820-40's.
