Sometimes, you come across odd objects that seem impossible to identify. Thanks to the internet, these once-baffling items now have clear explanations. Here are 16 such objects whose purposes were revealed by online sleuths.
1. “What is this padded satin item with ribbon ties and a hole in the middle? Appears possibly handmade, like a case for a beauty item.”
It looks like it might go on top of a hanger (which is why there’s a hole in the middle). This would turn something like a smooth wooden hanger into one of those hangers with a satin finish/top to prevent light items like slips or lingerie from slipping off the hanger. The ties would be to secure it to the hanger perhaps. © HelenAngel / Reddit
2. “I found this metal spring thing with 2 red glass balls. It can be separated, and the balls do come out. It’s a little over 3 inches. Looks like a pair of tongs holding the red balls.”
“It’s an old sharpener for razors.” © Outrageous-Rich-1134 / Reddit
3. “Glass objects with decorative flower patterns. 600 grams each.”
They look more like those old furniture or piano casters/cups to prevent floor damage. © aloquix / Reddit
4. “My son found this, and we have no clue what it is. My wife says she doesn’t know what it is either.”
ROFL! Yeah, I have it in my kitchen drawer. The first time I saw it, I had no idea what it was. It’s a measuring cup holder. © Unknown author / Reddit
5. “This metal structure about 2 feet wide and 2 feet tall above the top bunk of this bunk bed.”
My sisters’ had this bunk bed. It’s a Buzz Lightyear bunk bed that is supposed to have a canopy on the top. © veganpizzaslice / Reddit
6. “Found these tiny round brown grains on top of a second mattress cover, right below my husband’s pillow. We have cats, but it’s not the same color as their litter.”
It looks like foam from the mattress. It gets through the fabric and then turns into balls. © Cristinky420 / Reddit
7. “It’s a 16 inches chain, glass balls the size of a small fist, weighs maybe 30-40 lbs.”
It’s a rain chain. © MaryN6FBB110117 / Reddit
8. “What is this bowl for? It’s got a small hole at the bottom.”
It looks like a flower bulb forcer. © Tossing_Goblets / Reddit
9. “I found this doodad in a box of junk jewelry. The large disc slides up and down the chain.”
Antique ladies’ watch chain. © Flamebrush / Reddit
10. “What is this camera looking thing my neighbors pointed at my backyard?”
It’s an ultrasonic cat deterrent and dog chaser. It has a motion sensor and flashing lights to protect courtyards, lawn Gardens, and fruit trees. © ContributionFree4015 / Reddit
11. “A hinged locket with a mirror and spinning mixer thing. A knob on the back controls the mixer.”
It looks very much indeed like a powder puff compact missing the puff and powder. © NateOfThan / Reddit
12. “Found this in our donation bin. It’s a gold-plated speaker with a short cord with 2 prongs at the end, it also has a gold-plated clip with an opal-like material of a horse on it.”
Looks like an old Beltone-type hearing aid. There’s a transistor in the tie clip, and it plugs into a cord for the hearing aid. © Mael_Coluim_III / Reddit
13. “My college dorm has these things, several of them on each floor. The building was finished in 1969.”
It looks like a phone “booth.” At one point, it likely held a phone. © NYSenseOfHumor / Reddit
14. “Metal rocket-shaped holder for something.”
It’s a stand for bar tools. © littleheaterlulu / Reddit
15. “5-foot-tall solid brick structure in the woods near my house”
It’s an old sign with the name of a district or location. Usually installed by the builders. © DOUCYIMD1 / Reddit
16. “Tennis racket with a hook on the back, on a long chain with ball at the end.”
This is used to measure the height of the net in tennis. The hook hangs on the top of the net and the net is tightened till the ball just touches the grass. © Tricky_Extreme5862 / Reddit
Did you know any of these odd objects? Let us know in the comments below which one you possess.