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40 Times People Had No Idea What They Were Looking At, But The Internet Knew What It Was Right Away
The internet is a veritable treasure trove of knowledge. And there are hundreds, and thousands of detectives online, all willing to give you a helping hand. The subreddit ‘What is This Thing’ is overflowing with amateur and professional detectives, and experts who help others identify the unusual, peculiar and weird things they came across. This online community’s combined wisdom and pursuit of the truth are second to none.
This is why Bored Panda compiled a list of the most bizarre and interesting things, along with the subreddit’s guesses of what they are. Scroll down, upvote all the finds you liked, and don’t forget to leave a comment about what you thought each thing was. And when you’re all done, take a look through Bored Panda’s other lists about the strangest finders keepers here and here.
More info: Reddit
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I Found This Ring In My Backyard While Doing Gardening. After Cleaning It, It Doesn't Look Like A Normal Ring. Any Ideas ?
Answer: It's a Georgian/early Victorian mourning ring. The initials belong to the lost loved one.
They were typically made from gold (18k+) and enameled in black. Yours looks like it was made around 1820s-40s.
RELATED:
#2
What Is This Big Hole That Is Usually Found On Milk Cartons?
Answer: It’s a pressure relief hole. If you dropped it, instead of exploding, the hole would pop out.
#3
Found At Myrtle Beach, Sc. What Is This Thing?
Answer: that’s a broken megalodon tooth.
The ‘What is This Thing’ subreddit is very large: more than 1,170,300 people (and counting) are part of this community. Which just goes to show just how many people are drawn in by a desire to figure out modern mysteries about vintage things. Or how many Sherlock Holmes and Castle enthusiasts actually prowl the streets at night, looking for cases to solve. You never know, your own neighbor could be one of these everyday heroes, helping others figure out answers to questions that won’t let them sleep at night.
#4
This Weird Wrapped Car. The Lights Were Wrapped In Cloth. Serial Numbers All Around. Anything Significant Or Just Tacky?
Answer: It obscures the car while being test driven, so the yet-to-be-released models are not photographed and published. The random "wave" patterns effectively hide the body contours and lines.
#5
Scanning Family Slides From 1964 - This Was Over My Parent's House In Texas. What Is This Thing?
Answer: it's a residue of a rocket launch. It's called Twilight effect. It was done right at sunset so the sun lit the vapor/exhaust trail from underneath.
#6
This Was Found By A Cleaner Hidden Under My Dresser In My Bedroom (She Told Me Very Discreetly About This Which Has Me Concerned), I’ve Tried To Google It To No Avail. What Is This Thing?
Answer: voice recorder, doesn't transmit using wireless though so whoever placed this thing, will be back. If this was in your home, chances are there are cameras as well.
Some of you might be thinking that my talks about mom-and-pop internet detectives are a bit far-fetched. But, the interesting fact is, that there are plenty of amateurs who have solved major mysteries! For example, BBC Future writes how Carl Koppelman got fired from his job at Disney and became a detective in his spare time.
#7
Saw This Cat In Texas First Thought It Was A Domestic Cat But When We Got Closer That Seemed Less Likely. What Is It?
Answer: Black bobcat.
#8
I Saw This In My Yard. Is This Just A Type Of Worm? Or Is There A Parasite On It? (I Saw It Breathing/Have Some Sort Of Heartbeat, So It’s Alive)
Answer: that's two worms making more worms.
#9
Found This Small Kettle Years Ago. Tried Searching For A Similar One But Have Always Come Up With Nothing. Anybody Have An Idea Why This Has This Unique Shape?
Answer: a portable men’s urinal for bedbound patients. It is used to pee when you cannot get out of bed.
Nora AlMeida 5 years ago
To think that, that person had been using it as a kettle for years...
Koppelman is now the moderator of “The Unidentified” subforum on the Websleuths website and holds himself personally responsible for solving three mysteries. He matched three unidentified people in coroners’ reports with their missing person profiles. Among them is Lynda Jane Hart, whose remains were found in 1988, but identified only in 2011. If Koppelman can do this in his spare time, imagine what other mysteries we could solve if we joined forces!
#10
4in By 4in Scissors. Uncomfortable To Hold, In Either Hand, Two Or Four Fingers. What Is This Thing?
Answer: they're childrens' training scissors. Like for pre-schoolers. The extra holes are so a grown-up can co-scissor and help the kid.
Nagawa (Cofa) Kishiki 5 years ago
Lol, co-scissor. We definitely need to add that word into the dictionary.
#11
What Is This Random Structure I Found In The Middle Of The Forest?
Answer: a WWII one man bomb shelter.
#12
Found In My Dads Room, Really Hoping Its Not A Sex Thing. What Is This Thing?
Answer: it goes over shoes to give grip on ice. They are called yak tracks.
#13
In A Multi Storey Car Park. Is It A Passage For Rats? There Are Also Small Holes In The Floor And Ceiling With A Tiny Ladder Connecting Them
Answer: Secret Industry by John Pym: The stairwells and lift lobbies of multistorey car parks are not usually areas where people pause to admire the architecture, so John Pym used this to his advantage. The model walkways and ladders replicate their full-scale counterparts and are a playful way of suggesting an alternative, unseen service industry at work within the building. Superficially mundane, some people may use the car park for years without being aware of their presence, while others will notice straightaway. The artist sees it as a reward for those who look more closely at their surroundings.
#14
Looks Suspicious But Has Several Interchangeable Sized Tips And Appears To Have A Purpose. What Is This For?
Answer: It's a snowman kit.
Mica Fiverline 5 years ago
There is such a thing?! Like... Rocks an a carrot weren't good enough, you had to have plastic versions?! DAFUQ???
#15
Found In My Aunts “Treasure” Collection. Seems Like A Heavy Metal Weight Inside. What Is This Thing?
Answer: This is a "tracker pebble" used for tracking longshore drift. The pebbles have a serial number, are buried in a location and then refound further down the coast in the shingle by metal detector.
#16
This Purple Sky In Southern California Seen At 1:30am And Lasted For Only About 5 Minutes Before Fading Away. What Is This Thing?
Answer: the glow is related to a commercial cannabis growing operation. That's the color of grow lights.
#17
Clock In Assisted Living Facility
Answer: Bedsore prevention. You would refer to the two hour intervals as a turning schedule.
#18
My Friend Just Moved In To A New Flat And This Is Her Neighbours Garden. What Is This Thing?
Answer: a Voodoo altar
Iggy 5 years ago
Might I suggest some voile curtains to let the light in and keep the nightmares out?
A. Sherlocat 5 years ago
@Stanley Yao - Peter Bear is referring to those gorey, realistic-looking figurines of a tortured, crucified Jesus Christ. Very popular with Roman Catholics.
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CrunChewy McSandybutt 5 years ago
Chances are, if you go to the neighbor and express an interest, they will be happy to explain all the symbols and meanings.
Flash Henry 5 years ago
Some of y'all should research the various vodun religious practices, they're not all heathens making voodoo dolls and cursing people. The film industry created that stereotype.
Nagawa (Cofa) Kishiki 5 years ago
That is exactly how I decorate my virtual home. Rule #1: everything goes as long as I have it. Rule #2: put them down as symmetric as possible. Guess someone take that approach to real life.
Kanga9ine 5 years ago
We are afraid of death, all joking aside in my other post. We wear black and I think this is actually is kind of cheerful. I am a big fan of the Dia de Los Meurtos colors and art and the celebration of life that death does not take from us left alone or mourning forever. It is respecting the living and life we have and honoring the life that those we lose, shared with everyone they touched.
Loki C 5 years ago
That's a voodoo alter! From what I can tell (it's a bit blurry) I think the loa in the middle is Baron Samedi. It looks too like they give him offerings at the statue.
Stacey Grant 5 years ago
No, it's a Haitian Vodou altar/shrine to Baron Samedi, Lord of life and death.
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Lizard Queen 5 years ago
Looks to be American Voodoo, rather than Haitian VouDou, or West African VooDoo.
Marilyn Holt 5 years ago
Didn't you see this before you moved? You might consider moving again.
Tina Joubert 5 years ago
looks like that to me too, that window is placed right above the garden.
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Jason Liaw 5 years ago
Imagine a horror movie there at night, and the large figure actually chasing you. This gives me chills. xD
Stacey Grant 5 years ago
I THINK the dogs statues are meant to represent their familiars.... Don't quote me on that though
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Danny Ruiz 3 years ago
You will need a Priest with Holy water and a bible with an assistant to pray.
miten sasmita 5 years ago
They might wanna move after that. Or be suuuuper nice to that certain neighbor.
Linda Robinett 5 years ago
May I suggest either making your own blessed water or seeing if the local Catholic Church can do something for you?
Joannie Goulet 5 years ago
Wait, I don't understand how those backyards work. Are you in your house or your neighbors house?
Darlene Michuk 5 years ago
That is really too creepy. I would wunder or maybe enquire. What about the kids playground in the backdrop.
Stacey Grant 5 years ago
Being as how it is an alter for witchcraft, I wouldn't p**s off the neighbor if I were you. All types of the craft are dangerous when used against you.... Get a Pentacle of protection for yourself. Although, not ALL witches are bad!
Jeff heinemann 5 years ago
best make sure she gets cookies during the holidays and invites to all the BBQ's/block parties!
Joshua Jenkins 5 years ago
You my friend may need a priest, and some bibles and live in a church
Nadine Francis 5 years ago
What is it? It is a very sick neighbor, I would be looking elsewhere to live!
Lerato Mogoatlhe 5 years ago
not a voodoo alter. I have follower voodoo from West Africa to Brazil and this is not it.
#19
This Just Trundled Across The Road In Front Of Me, Zoomed Down The Sidewalk Before I Could Get A Better Look At It. Spotted In Melbourne Australia. What Is This Thing?
Answer: it's an automated delivery, possibly for food.
#20
Silver Capsule Camouflaged Inside A Wooden Container Hanging In A Tree In A Public Park. What Is This Thing?
Answer: it's a geocache. Judging by the size, it'll likely only have a list inside for people to sign that they found it.
Azure Adams 5 years ago
A small geocache and a well camoed one too. It's a fun hobby to get into. Check it out
#21
What Is The Purpose Of This Mirrors? I Came Across Them In Trosa, Sweden, Near The River. They Are On Almost Every House
Answer: In Denmark they are called a "gadespejl" It is an old invention, basically a mirror that made it possible to view the street from the comfort of your couch.
#22
Found This While Beach Combing In The Olympic Peninsula. I've Never Seen Anything Like It. What Is This Thing?
Answer: Squid eggs.
#23
Noticed This Weird Urinal In A Brauhaus Bathroom In Cologne Germany. What Is This Thing?
Answer: it's called a Papst (german for Pope). It's for puking.
Hans 5 years ago
These were (sometimes are) typically found in fraternity houses with very traditional practices. Boozing is part of the rules, and you essentially drink until you puke, as everone drinks at the same time. After puking, you return to drink further. Sounds ridiculous and out-of-the-time, but these organizations sometimes even sustain the tradition of fencing without protection for the face...
#24
Took This Picture From My Airplane Window On Trip From Dc To Las Vegas. Any Idea What It Is?
Answer: a mineral mine. It's the world’s largest lithium deposit.
#25
What Is This Fish With Strange Writing?
Answer: The Lucky Iron Fish. I recall hearing that iron deficiency was a serious problem in developing countries due to improper diets that consisted of mostly pastas and rice, which are a poor source of iron.
The solution was to boil chunks of iron with food to increase the iron content but many were skeptical and hesitant to cook with chunks of metal in their food. The iron was shaped into a 'lucky fish' that would provided addition health benefits when you boiled water with the fish in it.
#26
What Is This Signs Purpose?
Answer: It means do not scare the flamingos. Many people would cross that sign to scare them so that they could fly and get a picture.
#27
All-Wood Things Seen With Someone's Trash Set Out For Pickup, About 1 Foot High. What Is This Thing?
Answer: we call em bee hotels, like many people already mentioned, it is for 'solitary' bees (solitary because they don't love/work/do in hives, but clearly, they live close to one another in this setting) although it can also attract many other animals. These things help the ecosystem.
#28
What Is The Purpose Of This Chain?
Answer: it is a rain chain, an alternative for traditional downspout of a gutter system.
Rosesinmyhair 5 years ago
There should be some beautiful bells attached to this so when it rains you get an extra lovely sound.
#29
What Is This Paintball Gun Looking Thing Being Used By Police In A Real Life Drug Raid?
Answer: Pepper Spray Paint Ball gun. Technically it is a paintball gun, however the paintballs it fires have pepper spray powder inside of them. It's less than lethal defense.
#30
What Is This Weird Half Truck And Why Is It Pushing A Flatbed Trailer? Is There Any Sort Of Advantage Of Pushing Rather Than Pulling It?
Answer: Float Plane Mover. This truck's job is to move planes up and down a boat ramp into the water. Backing up an ordinary truck+trailer combo down a boat ramp is not easy. With this vehicle, the driver can look straight forward down the ramp rather than in his rear-view mirror, and since the steering wheels are at the back it's easy to align the truck's bed with the plane. Most trucks only load at a boat ramp once in a while, since this one does only that, it makes sense to design it specifically for that job.
#31
It’s Been Submerged In Water For Years Near A Creek Where I Live. Can’t Google Because I Don’t Know Where To Start. What Is This Thing?
Answer: The Quester, the private submarine built to salvage the Andrea Doria, now in need of salvage itself.
Nagawa (Cofa) Kishiki 5 years ago
So, I guess the Google search term will contain the word, irony.
#32
My Mother Left Bleach In Her Sink For About A Week While We Left On Vacation, And We Came Back To This. Is It Mold?
Answer: the bleach oxidized the metal parts of your sink.
#33
20 Years Of Research And Reddit Is My Last Hope! What Is This Thing?
Answer: The Black Drum fish fossils. The Black Drum had a short deep body with a high arched back, but a flattish belly. The jaw teeth were small and pointed, but the throat was armed with large, flat, pavement-like teeth with which the drum crushed shellfish, for food. This characteristic separates it from the weakfish and the king fish.
#34
What Are These Perfect Sets Of Beach Holes? Flip Flop For Scale
Answer: the remnants of a scientific clam survey.
#35
We Had A Party The Other Night And Found This On The Kitchen Counter In The Morning. It Has White Powder In It And The Cap Just Comes Off, It’s Not Secured In Any Way. Bottle Cap For Size Reference. What Is This Thing?
Answer: It’s a refill container for a marking tool used in sewing. The tool dispenses a fine line of powdered chalk when drawn across fabric. I have some in several colors.
#36
What Are These Blue Tubes That I Keep Seeing In Berlin?
Answer: to transfer groundwater to rivers because of the water level. Since the early 1990’s the groundwater level in Berlin has been rising. Due to lower water consumption the abstraction of groundwater has diminished and the city now has to cope with an extraordinary high level of groundwater.
Lina Maverick 5 years ago
The missed information: they do this for big constructions sites and move it away, when done with work.
#37
Bit Into A Mcdonald’s Double Quarter Pounder With A Cheese And Noticed A Chemically Flavor. Opened It Up And Saw This. What Is This!?
Answer: Former employee, it’s more than likely from their gloves they use to put the meat on the grill.
#38
Falling Out Of The Sky? What Is This Thing?
Answer: contrails from a passenger plane. Being close to sunset, the vapor clouds are taking on the same color as any other cloud would have under the same late-day sun.
#39
Found Under A Bed. What Is This Thing?
Answer: small scale meth making device.
Lazy Panda 5 years ago
I really hope a parent didn’t find this under their kid’s bed, that would make it worse
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What do you think ?
Bmo 5 years ago
Go on reddit where these all came from and you can see them daily.
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DP von Icecream 5 years ago
Great post! Never knew my German neighbors had a specialized "urinal"for puking!
nothingxx 5 years ago
I only got 40! I thought they would stop cutting posts
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Daria B 5 years ago
I see so many people find bombs and bullets. Reminds me of warnings about vacant landmines, remnants from the wars (both in Croatia and Korea). It's good that they shared the pictures with us, since it's pretty informative, but I hope they kept their safe distance and called the professionals to dispose of these things. These are no joke.
louis porter 5 years ago
How does this stuff need a journalist to "write" it? It's just stolen copy-paste from Reddit.
Robyn Gardam 5 years ago
I remember when I was really young, like 5 or 6my Grandad found a penny and an old pocket watch while digging in the back garden one day. I asked him how it got there and he said it all used to be open country decades ago and someone probably dropped it while riding. Not sure if that’s true but it was a great story. My Mum still has the watch :)
Chris Ireland 4 years ago
Meanwhile , I'm still wondering what the hell is the 41st item was, in the Intro Link that sent me here.
Claire Armstrong 5 years ago
What is this reddit thing (totally showing my technology/Internet ignorance here)? I've seen things about it on BP before and always wondered what it was
Diane Aguilar 5 years ago
It's a message board community with every kind of sub-board (specializing in all manner of topics) you can find. I go there infrequently but find it utterly fascinating.
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Marnee DeRider 5 years ago
I had something I kept since around the age of 6 until I finally got rid of around age 39. It was a thing shaped like the INSIDE of a pipe, made of yellowish/orange compacted sand. Found near the waterworks. Never could figure out how it got there. Did pipes fill with sand, then the pipes disintegrated? But wouldn't the sand go first? And what compacted the sand? And it wasn't near a beach where there was sand, just found near a fake creek filled with lime runoff. I got rid of it before I thought of posting it online :-( Kept it for over 40 years, then dumped it :-(
Marnee DeRider 5 years ago
Correction: "finally got rid of around age 49", not 39!
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Bmo 5 years ago
Go on reddit where these all came from and you can see them daily.
Load More Replies... DP von Icecream 5 years ago
Great post! Never knew my German neighbors had a specialized "urinal"for puking!
nothingxx 5 years ago
I only got 40! I thought they would stop cutting posts
Load More Replies... Daria B 5 years ago
I see so many people find bombs and bullets. Reminds me of warnings about vacant landmines, remnants from the wars (both in Croatia and Korea). It's good that they shared the pictures with us, since it's pretty informative, but I hope they kept their safe distance and called the professionals to dispose of these things. These are no joke.
louis porter 5 years ago
How does this stuff need a journalist to "write" it? It's just stolen copy-paste from Reddit.
Robyn Gardam 5 years ago
I remember when I was really young, like 5 or 6my Grandad found a penny and an old pocket watch while digging in the back garden one day. I asked him how it got there and he said it all used to be open country decades ago and someone probably dropped it while riding. Not sure if that’s true but it was a great story. My Mum still has the watch :)
Chris Ireland 4 years ago
Meanwhile , I'm still wondering what the hell is the 41st item was, in the Intro Link that sent me here.
Claire Armstrong 5 years ago
What is this reddit thing (totally showing my technology/Internet ignorance here)? I've seen things about it on BP before and always wondered what it was
Diane Aguilar 5 years ago
It's a message board community with every kind of sub-board (specializing in all manner of topics) you can find. I go there infrequently but find it utterly fascinating.
Load More Replies... Marnee DeRider 5 years ago
I had something I kept since around the age of 6 until I finally got rid of around age 39. It was a thing shaped like the INSIDE of a pipe, made of yellowish/orange compacted sand. Found near the waterworks. Never could figure out how it got there. Did pipes fill with sand, then the pipes disintegrated? But wouldn't the sand go first? And what compacted the sand? And it wasn't near a beach where there was sand, just found near a fake creek filled with lime runoff. I got rid of it before I thought of posting it online :-( Kept it for over 40 years, then dumped it :-(
Marnee DeRider 5 years ago
Correction: "finally got rid of around age 49", not 39!
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