As time marches on, things that were once common quickly become unfamiliar to us. This is a universal truth that historians understand, but it is also something we encounter in our everyday lives. Our parents and grandparents may have been familiar with objects that are now a mystery to us.
Today, we are going to explore twelve mysterious objects that caused quite a stir on the internet. Thanks to the collective knowledge and expertise of online communities, we were able to uncover the true identities and purposes of these forgotten items. Let’s dive in!
1. “My mom found this in my dad’s drawer. Is it what I am afraid of?”
Answer: The Classic Sunbeam Mixmaster
This spout was part of a juicer attachment for the Sunbeam Mixmaster, a popular kitchen appliance from the past. It had a wire part that acted as a strainer to remove pulp from the juice. Don’t worry, it’s not what you were afraid of!
2. “What’s this insanely heavy glass with bubbles inside? The inscription says 1978.”
Answer: A Decorative Paperweight
This glass object is actually a paperweight. It was used to keep stacks of papers from flying off the desk when there was a breeze. Although it served a practical purpose in the past, it is now mostly used as a decorative item.
3. “What’s this weird glass ball, suspended by screws, in a metal frame, bronze or gold color in appearance?”
Answer: A Campbell-Stokes Sunshine Recorder
This intriguing object is a Campbell-Stokes sunshine recorder. By placing a strip of card in the grooves behind the glass sphere and pointing it towards the equator, the sunlight would focus and burn a track on the card. This method was used to measure the brightness of sunlight during different hours of the day.
4. “What’s this thick round wooden stick with a cylindrical structure on one end?”
Answer: Possibly Used with a Singing Bell
This wooden stick might have been used with a Singing Bell. By lightly rubbing the stick around the edge of the bell, it would start vibrating and produce a beautiful sound. You might have seen a similar effect with glasses.
5. “What’s this three-legged stool with a very narrow back? Does it serve a specific purpose?”
Answer: A Milking Stool
This unique stool is actually a milking stool. Its three-legged birthing style spinning chair design was specifically used for milking cows. It served a practical purpose in the past, but nowadays it is more of a decorative item.
6. “I found this at nan’s house. It’s a glass vase with a metal grill inside.”
Answer: A Glass Rose Bowl
The glass vase you discovered is actually a rose bowl. Its design with a metal grill inside was meant for arranging cut flowers. It’s a lovely way to display your floral arrangements.
7. “This thing is made of leather and about 15″ in length. Any ideas?”
Answer: A Decorative Tassel
This leather object is a decorative tassel from a purse. It adds a touch of elegance and style to the bag. Sometimes, the smallest details can make a big difference.
8. “I found this stainless-steel object while cleaning out a lab space. It has an ‘H’ in a diamond stamp.”
Answer: A Glass Tube Cutter
You stumbled upon a glass tube cutter! This tool is commonly used in chemistry labs to precisely cut glass tubes. It’s fascinating to uncover forgotten treasures in unexpected places.
9. “I found this in an old cabinet. It’s made entirely of glass with narrowing holes all the way through.”
Answer: A Flower Frog
What you found is a flower frog. It was used in the past to hold flower arrangements in vases. Nowadays, foam and gels have replaced the need for these glass accessories.
10. “Does anyone know what the purpose of the little hole on the back of this empty gold ring is?”
Answer: Air Pressure Prevention
The little hole on the back of the empty gold ring serves a purpose. It prevents air pressure changes from causing damage to the ring. It’s fascinating how even the smallest details can have a practical function.
11. “What is this glass object? It’s fairly heavy, has no markings, and a very narrow hole on top.”
Answer: An Oil Candle
This mysterious glass object is an oil candle. Its design allows for a controlled flame and longer burn time compared to traditional candles. Lighting up an oil candle can create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
12. “This ring was buried in my garden. After cleaning it, I noticed that it doesn’t look like an ordinary ring. Any ideas?”
Answer: A Heartbreaking Discovery
This ring holds a sentimental story. It is a mourning ring from the Georgian or early Victorian era. The initials on the ring are a tribute to the lost loved one. These rings were typically made from gold and enameled in black. Yours appears to have been made during the 1820s-40s.
These objects may have been shrouded in mystery at first, but with the help of online communities, their secrets have been revealed. It’s amazing how the collective knowledge and expertise of people can bring forgotten items back to life. Let’s cherish the past and the stories behind these objects that have withstood the test of time.
