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The answers come to those who seek them. Especially on the subreddit 'What Is This Thing?'

This online community is home to 2.3 million members who are always ready to help people identify the mysterious objects they found.

The gig is simple: someone uploads a photo of whatever it is they want the name of, and the gang starts commenting under it, offering their input until, inevitably, a person shows up who knows exactly what it is.

However, even if you're not posting anything, scrolling through their solved cases feels like an interesting challenge, where you can test (and expand) your own knowledge. So we invite you to do just that!

#1

Strange Metal Thing On The Bottom Of My Drivers Side

Strange Metal Thing On The Bottom Of My Drivers Side

Answer: Your mechanic is gonna want that back. It’s part of a lift.

BlueFlames1723 Report

#2

This Metal Piece Is Attached To The Wall In A Wc In My Airbnb In France

This Metal Piece Is Attached To The Wall In A Wc In My Airbnb In France

Answer: It's a magazine rack installed upside down because people decorating Airbnb's don't know what they're doing.

mmay_a Report

#3

Saw This In A Restroom Which Has Faucets And Drain Down Low And A Dryer

Saw This In A Restroom Which Has Faucets And Drain Down Low And A Dryer

Answer: This setup prevents Muslims from having to lift our legs up dangerously high while trying to stick our feet in the sink one at a time. The alternative to that is we have to take a handful of water and pour it onto our feet below the sink causing the floor to get wet. Muslims also have to keep their feet clean before praying, which is obviously problematic in a bathroom where everyone pisses on the floor and walks with their shoes between the stalls and the sink, so you might see them trying to keep one shoe on while washing the other foot and then switching. It’s also why we take our shoes off before praying and use prayer rugs to avoid touching unclean things while praying.

atomicdragon136 Report

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Fernando Álvarez
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The day humanity understands that unclean things come from inside the human heart, not from the outside or from innocent creatures like dogs and pigs, this world will be very different.

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#4

Round Shelf Attached By Metal Brackets To Underside Of Table. What Is It For?

Round Shelf Attached By Metal Brackets To Underside Of Table. What Is It For?

Answer: It's a place to rest your beer while you play cards.

One_Has_Lepers Report

#5

Weird Semi Circle Wires With Various Beads On A Wooden Plank Found In An Older House

Weird Semi Circle Wires With Various Beads On A Wooden Plank Found In An Older House

Answer: A Himalayan Calendar. The outer ring as 12 balls, each corresponding to a month. The next two rings have a tens and ones digit. The tens has three balls for up to the 31st, and the next has nine balls, for 0 to 9. And then four rings for the year, up to 9999.

Oxfordcommapreacher Report

#6

Hard, Waxy, Blob-Looking Thing Found During Low Tide

Hard, Waxy, Blob-Looking Thing Found During Low Tide

Answer: It's whale sick get it checked it could be worth thousands a kg. It's an ingredient used in high end perfumes.

Swimming_Sea964 Report

#7

What Is This? It’s Made Like A Barrel But Looks Like A Carrier Of Some Kind?

What Is This? It’s Made Like A Barrel But Looks Like A Carrier Of Some Kind?

Answer: It is a Vasculum, a sturdy collection container used by botanists on field excursions in which plant specimens can be collected without damaging them.

Valuable-Camera-7107 Report

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#8

Steel, Engraved, Hooked Tool Hidden In The Foundation Of An Old House

Steel, Engraved, Hooked Tool Hidden In The Foundation Of An Old House

Answer: My wife says horse hoof cleaning tool, and she's a major horse gal. Also, burying an iron object within the foundation of a home was once considered good luck.

StarsSuck Report

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Nathan Pogorzala
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This item looks like a wedding favor from February of this year. Appears to be the item described but it wasn't in a foundation very long.

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#9

Made Of Clay/Terra Cotta, Can Fit Inside A Palm. It Came With Something I Bought But Can't Remember What

Made Of Clay/Terra Cotta, Can Fit Inside A Palm. It Came With Something I Bought But Can't Remember What

Answer: Terra cotta sugar saver. You put it in with your brown sugar to keep it from clumping or drying out in storage.

potatochild001 Report

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Jan Rosier
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have the same but with a tobacco leaf on it, obviously for another purpose : soak in a cup of water for an hour or two and then use in a tin or jar of pipetobacco that has dried out a bit.

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#10

What Is This Spoon With A Tong-Like Attachment? Seen In An Antique Store In Lyon, France

What Is This Spoon With A Tong-Like Attachment? Seen In An Antique Store In Lyon, France

Answer: It is a spoon designed to separate the fat from the sauce, called "cuillère dégraisseuse".

bazoid Report

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Ace
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The lever opens a little hole in the bottom of the spoon to let the water-based juices drip through while the fat floating on top remains in the spoon, then you release the lever keeping the fat there and pour it away.

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#11

Found On Charmouth Beach, Dorset. Screw Cap And Has Bright Green Liquid Inside

Found On Charmouth Beach, Dorset. Screw Cap And Has Bright Green Liquid Inside

Answer: It’s a diver rescue marker, for ocean rescue. You release it to dye the water around you and even at night a blacklight can light it up.

howitzer1 Report

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#12

What Is This Wall Mounted Metal Thing That Was Seen In Hohensalzburg Fortress? There Were 3 Or 4 Rooms With One Of These Objects And None Had An Explanation

What Is This Wall Mounted Metal Thing That Was Seen In Hohensalzburg Fortress? There Were 3 Or 4 Rooms With One Of These Objects And None Had An Explanation

Answer: These are pretty much radiators that were filled with embers and/or hot stones when needed.

Shadow_F3r4L Report

#13

This Plaque Came In As As Scrap Metal. Measures Approx 1.5ft X 6in. Made Of Cast Aluminum. Google Turns Up No Results. Witt??

This Plaque Came In As As Scrap Metal. Measures Approx 1.5ft X 6in. Made Of Cast Aluminum. Google Turns Up No Results. Witt??

Answer: Probably a horse. The bottom is the sire and dam.

Wequiwa Report

#14

Found In Kitchen Junk Drawer. Heavy, Solid Brass

Found In Kitchen Junk Drawer. Heavy, Solid Brass

Answer: Telephone dialer. You put the ball end in the desired number of the phone dial instead of your finger tip and used it to turn the dial.

boneyheimer Report

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Ace
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Useful for those 'secretaries' with massively long fingernails in movies from the 1960s,

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#15

What Is This Oval Metal Thing In A Plastic Holder Mounted To The Kitchen Wall Next To The Sink?

What Is This Oval Metal Thing In A Plastic Holder Mounted To The Kitchen Wall Next To The Sink?

Answer: Steel "soap" bar. Removes odors like onion from ur hands when u wash with it by just adding a strong steel odor on top.

inzombiac Report

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Stephanie Did It
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn't anyone realize that most of us have a kitchen drawer full of stainless steel items? Pull out a serving spoon, rub it under running water, works exactly the same

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#16

1940 Mercury Dime Turned Into A Two Sided Spoon Of Some Sort With Fused Ring At The Top. Came With Odds And Ends From Deceased Older Relative From Ohio

1940 Mercury Dime Turned Into A Two Sided Spoon Of Some Sort With Fused Ring At The Top. Came With Odds And Ends From Deceased Older Relative From Ohio

Answer: A vintage spoon pendant used for illegal substances.

tlmsmith Report

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Agfox
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great grandparents have now earned (posthumous) street cred with younger members of the family

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#17

4 Inches, Plastic, Pointed On One Side. Received As A Xmas Gift?! Witt??

4 Inches, Plastic, Pointed On One Side. Received As A Xmas Gift?! Witt??

Answer: Looks like a page spreader for reading. Point end goes into the spine and thumb in hole so you can one hand books easy.

Karljoneill Report

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Take me to dinner first
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an avid reader and even with the explanation I have no idea how this works

Mat Hall
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Put your thumb through the hole so the pointed edge is on the same side as the pad of your thumb, then you can hold a book in your hand and use the plastic doodad to keep the pages open.

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Jon Steensen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

looks like it has been 3d Printed, so who knows? I 3d print a lot of "wierd" customade stuff, that no one but me knows the real purpose off, and they have no chance at guesing. So if it was a pressent, how about asking whoever made it what they had in mind when choosing it?

Something
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're right, but it's actually a published print file with a known purpose. Here's one example: thingiverse.com/thing:1503676

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Sabrena Patterson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love these. You can hold a book in one hand and keep the pages open easily without your hand cramping. Just choose the hand, also your thumb into the hole with the point side down, open your book and place the point into the middle of the bottom of the pages. Once you get the hang of it, you'll want to use it all the time. I want another one.

Marilyn Russell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So this guy gets this as a Christmas gift with no packaging and the gift-giver wasn’t around to explain it? That makes no sense at all.

Danish Susanne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From your comment I have deduced, that you don't read many books. I certainly want one, because I often borrow books and cannot break the backs to make it easier to hold.

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Aisling Raye
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are amazing little things. I have a few scattered around my house. They make it much easier to hold your book open when you're lounging on the couch and need a free hand for your tea, or coffee, or wine glass.

Nice Beast Ludo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahhh yes so I can walk around town like Belle, reading and singing my little heart out. Wish I got this for Christmas.

UnpopularPanda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is just to pretend you're a 'reader', the real book enthusiasts don't need shenanigans like this.

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#18

What Are These Heavy Metal Objects I Found In A Thrift Store?

What Are These Heavy Metal Objects I Found In A Thrift Store?

Answer: You hang weights on chains to power mechanical cuckoo clocks. One powers the clock mechanism, and the other powers the cuckoo. The weight turns gears in the mechanism as the chain drops. To wind the clock, you pull on the other end of the chain and bring the weight back up, and the same for the chain that powers the cuckoo.

reddit.com Report

#19

Bought A New Pair Of Nike Shoes. Inside The Box Was This Small, Plastic Bubble, Filled With Air, And What Looks Like Tiny, Colorful Micro Plastics. Has A Loophole On The Top And Is About An Inch Long

Bought A New Pair Of Nike Shoes. Inside The Box Was This Small, Plastic Bubble, Filled With Air, And What Looks Like Tiny, Colorful Micro Plastics. Has A Loophole On The Top And Is About An Inch Long

Answer: Micro plastic particles. Probably to show how Nike helps to clean up our planet. Greenwashing at best.

tsirs Report

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Bernd Herbert
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that is so dumb. Let's show the world hwo green we are by producing more plastic!

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#20

What's This Heavy, Brass, Genie Lamp-Like Object With Both A Weird Cutout Spout And A Narrow Upwards Spout?

What's This Heavy, Brass, Genie Lamp-Like Object With Both A Weird Cutout Spout And A Narrow Upwards Spout?

Answer: It’s a lamp. It’s literally an oil lamp, to be used to create light. The wick goes in the spout. The oil goes in the belly. You light the wick and a flame will burn on the end of the spout like a little candle, and you can carry your lantern around with you.

FlaxxtotheMaxx Report

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User# 6
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The upward spout used to have a polished metal plate attached so it reflects the light.

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#21

What Would This Antique Silver “Locket” Have Been Used For? It Looks Like Possibly Ink Residue On The Two Pads Inside, But No Indication That The Inside Door Would Have Been Sealed Tightly Enough To Be A Reservoir

What Would This Antique Silver “Locket” Have Been Used For? It Looks Like Possibly Ink Residue On The Two Pads Inside, But No Indication That The Inside Door Would Have Been Sealed Tightly Enough To Be A Reservoir

Answer: It's actually a purse. There's space in there for some coins for bus/cab fare, some powder makeup (behind the little door), and calling cards.

didilamour Report

#22

A Short Thick Metal Coil That Can Be Plugged Into An Outlet. Doesn't Seem Very Safe At All. I'm Thinking It's Missing A Larger Piece That Creates It's True Purpose

A Short Thick Metal Coil That Can Be Plugged Into An Outlet. Doesn't Seem Very Safe At All. I'm Thinking It's Missing A Larger Piece That Creates It's True Purpose

Answer: Immersion heater. The metal piece goes into a cup of water and heats it.

Commercial_Wasabi_86 Report

#23

Found This Spiked Metal Collar Hanging In One Of The Upstairs Rooms In The House I Just Bought In Spain

Found This Spiked Metal Collar Hanging In One Of The Upstairs Rooms In The House I Just Bought In Spain

Answer: Anti-wolf collar for sheepdogs.

delilahgabj Report

#24

Small Trailer With Individual Openings. Seen While Driving, No Obvious Marking That Would Indicate What It’s For

Small Trailer With Individual Openings. Seen While Driving, No Obvious Marking That Would Indicate What It’s For

Answer: It's for transporting racing pigeons.

Subaru_turtle Report

#25

What Is This Cabinet On Wheels I Got At An Antiques Market? The Drawers Can Be Accessed From The Front As Well As From The Back, There Are Also Two Compartments With Small Key (???) Hooks On Each Side

What Is This Cabinet On Wheels I Got At An Antiques Market? The Drawers Can Be Accessed From The Front As Well As From The Back, There Are Also Two Compartments With Small Key (???) Hooks On Each Side

Answer: This is just a scientific specimen cabinet, which could be used for anything from geology to lepidopterology.

IGutenberg Report

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mcborge1
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Perfect if you need somewhere to display your Geode and butterfly specimans.

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#26

Found This In Our Donation Bin, We're A Nonprofit, We Recycle Eyeglasses And Hearing Aids. 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

Found This In Our Donation Bin, We're A Nonprofit, We Recycle Eyeglasses And Hearing Aids. 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

Answer: An old Beltone type hearing aid. There's a transistor in the tie clip, and it plugs into a cord for the hearing aid.

badluckninja13 Report

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#27

Wooden Block With 6 Metal Fins, Inscribed 'Hemma Patent'

Wooden Block With 6 Metal Fins, Inscribed 'Hemma Patent'

Answer: Cabbage sliced for making sauerkraut.

Interesting_Usual882 Report

#28

Strange Looking Hook Thing Found Buried In A Hutch. The Inscription On The Hook Side Is In French. Any Ideas?

Strange Looking Hook Thing Found Buried In A Hutch. The Inscription On The Hook Side Is In French. Any Ideas?

Answer: It's a butter curler, for making fancy bits of butter.

Curious-Creation Report

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EmBree
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One thing from the past that I don't miss. I have spent many hours curling butter (bonus points for making roses). It's messy after a while when the butter starts melting and the reward is tiny compared to the effort.

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#29

What Are These Little Knit Tubes?

What Are These Little Knit Tubes?

Answer: They can be used to avoid chairs scratching your floors. So they are socks, but for chairs rather than humans.

InevitableDevice2182 Report

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Valerie Hunte
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They also keep your chairs from making the SCRRRONNNNCH noise on the floor, as well. I have some that look like cats paws, and I laughed so hard I cried when I was putting them on my chairs.

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#30

Found In A Safe In A Deceased Man's House: 11 Identical Stacks Of Thin Black Paper Strips, Wrapped In Plastic Foil, Covered In Fine White Dust. Measurements Of Each Strip Approximately 16 Cm X 6,5 Cm, Height Of Each Stack Approximately 5 Cm. Other Than That, The Safe Was Empty

Found In A Safe In A Deceased Man's House: 11 Identical Stacks Of Thin Black Paper Strips, Wrapped In Plastic Foil, Covered In Fine White Dust. Measurements Of Each Strip Approximately 16 Cm X 6,5 Cm, Height Of Each Stack Approximately 5 Cm. Other Than That, The Safe Was Empty

Answer: "Black Money Scam". It's construction paper or similar, he was scammed to believe it was currency dyed to be smuggled and could be restored.

sbs_str_9091 Report

#31

Plastic Ring With Three Relatively Sharp Metal Claws, Found On Beach In Scotland

Plastic Ring With Three Relatively Sharp Metal Claws, Found On Beach In Scotland

Answer: It's a "claw" to help pull in fishing nets.

machukahn Report

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#32

We Found This On Top Of A Bookcase While Cleaning Our Office. It Appears That The Jar Is Sealed. The White Things Inside Weigh Next To Nothing. We Didn’t Want To Open It Until We Have Some Idea As To What It Is. They Look Pretty Soft. Nothing Identifying On The Jar Itself

We Found This On Top Of A Bookcase While Cleaning Our Office. It Appears That The Jar Is Sealed. The White Things Inside Weigh Next To Nothing. We Didn’t Want To Open It Until We Have Some Idea As To What It Is. They Look Pretty Soft. Nothing Identifying On The Jar Itself

Answer: They look like silkworm cocoons.

loveofGod12345 Report

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Marcos Valencia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my region, there was an important production and trade of silk (a proof is the "Silk Exchange", built in the 15th century). All kids at a certain moment received silkworm eggs. This is definitely the cocoon. The butterfly in the inside is probably dead.

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#33

What Is This Wavy Pattern On The Back Of A Piece Of Mail I Received?

What Is This Wavy Pattern On The Back Of A Piece Of Mail I Received?

Answer: Obfuscation pattern, it's there to hide info or keep people from trying to read through an envelope and look at personal information.

1nesandzer0s Report

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David
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is mail that rare these days? This was super common on stuff back in the day

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#34

Plastic Device With A Blade That Cuts A Chunk Out Of Paper

Plastic Device With A Blade That Cuts A Chunk Out Of Paper

Answer: Wow, that's a blast from the past. It's for write protecting a 5.25" floppy disk.
It’s for making a single sided disk double sided.

R_McN Report

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Giles McArdell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Blast from the past" is right, I remember these, they used to come with a bunch of stickers to go back over the punched hole to make the disks write-able again.

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#35

I Spotted A Few Of These Wrought Iron Poles On A Road In Central London, They Must Have Had Some Historical Usage, But I'm Not Sure What. Perhaps For Lamps? Did The Circle At The Top Used To Hold Something? Was The Arm On The Right For Hanging Something?

I Spotted A Few Of These Wrought Iron Poles On A Road In Central London, They Must Have Had Some Historical Usage, But I'm Not Sure What. Perhaps For Lamps? Did The Circle At The Top Used To Hold Something? Was The Arm On The Right For Hanging Something?

Answer: It's an early 19th C Gaslamp. The gas is piped up the pole, and a copper pipe would have extended into the glass lamp house, which fitted into the hoop.

scientificdramatist Report

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Ace
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not seen that exact type before, but yeah. The horizontal piece was used by the lamplighter to prop a ladder against - yes, they had to climb up each lamppost to light them manually. Lots of them still to be found in many British towns to this day, converted to electricity sometime in the mid 20th century. Sadly a lot of them were ripped out and replaced by modern monstrosities back in the 1960s-70s.

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#36

This Thing Came With The Perfume Gift Set But I Have No Idea What’s Supposed To Be, It Feels Like It’s Made Of Clay Or Something But There’s No Description In The Box Or Anything. Is It Just A Random Trinket?

This Thing Came With The Perfume Gift Set But I Have No Idea What’s Supposed To Be, It Feels Like It’s Made Of Clay Or Something But There’s No Description In The Box Or Anything. Is It Just A Random Trinket?

Answer: It's a perfume diffuser. You can spray your perfume on it, and it will absorb it and release the smell into the air.

Solve-Problems Report

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Ample Aardvark
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those work very well, I had a similar one and kept in the wardrobe to make my clothes smell nice (and repel moths)

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#37

This Tiny Door On My Wall Below The Window? 1926 NYC Apartment Building

This Tiny Door On My Wall Below The Window? 1926 NYC Apartment Building

Answer: It is a cold box.

reddit.com Report

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Hey!
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a similar one on my outside wall when my kitchen is. It was for the milk deliveries.

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#38

What Is This Rooster Basin Looking Things On The Wood Stove Used For?

What Is This Rooster Basin Looking Things On The Wood Stove Used For?

Answer: Chicken steamer, it's used to add humidity to the house.

uberCalifornia Report

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SweetCheesySpaghetti
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had one in the house I grew up in. it broke at some point so after that we just put a pot of water on the stove haha

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#39

What Is This Camera Looking Thing My Neighbors Pointed At My Backyard?

What Is This Camera Looking Thing My Neighbors Pointed At My Backyard?

Answer: HPDFCU Ultrasonic Animal Deterrent.

BloodyBender Report

#40

What Is This Kitchen Utensil? - Cutting (?) Wires Inside A Semi-Oval Shape Thing

What Is This Kitchen Utensil? - Cutting (?) Wires Inside A Semi-Oval Shape Thing

Answer: It’s an avocado slicer. You cut the avocado in half and seed it, then scoop out slices.

Whatsername868 Report

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The Other Guest
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like it would be a pain to wash. I'll stick with a plain knife & uneven slices TYVM.

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#41

This Weird Wire Was Pushed Through My Bathroom Ceiling

This Weird Wire Was Pushed Through My Bathroom Ceiling

Answer: This is a mushroom growing in the ceiling and is likely the result of water damage from the floor above.

AFROSS Report

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#42

What Is This Mechanism? It Is In A Wooden Box And Has A Hand Crank Turns A Chain Inside Possibly Generating Electricity?

What Is This Mechanism? It Is In A Wooden Box And Has A Hand Crank Turns A Chain Inside Possibly Generating Electricity?

Answer: Part of an old telephone. The bell is for incoming calls. The crank is to buzz the operator to connect you to the other party.

Radio-Groundbreaking Report

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similarly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People also used to use old hand-crank telephones to illegally "telephone fish". According to my Mom (many, many years ago), they'd put the wires in the water, crank the phone, and the electricity would stun the fish, causing them to float to the top where you could scoop them up.

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#43

About 2 Feet Long Numbers 1-10 On Both Sides. At A Restaurant (Shari's)

About 2 Feet Long Numbers 1-10 On Both Sides. At A Restaurant (Shari's)

Answer: Worked at a Ponderosa back in my teens as a line cook and we had one of these. When an order was up we would press a button on a box and it would light up a number, so a server would know their order was ready for a table.

Gusto74 Report

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Mojo Flizash
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ponderosa....ah what a memory. Buffet, cheap steak, and I remember when it was a big deal when they got the self serve ice cream machine and all the toppings. I can actually smell the restaurant now. People actually could afford to go out to eat and had actual conversations with the people they went with before the cellphone was invented

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#44

What Is This Pointy Thing On This Multi Tool Flash Light?

What Is This Pointy Thing On This Multi Tool Flash Light?

Answer: It's a window breaker for car windows.

hardcuts26 Report

#45

What Is This Leather Belt Thing With A Cup In The Middle?

What Is This Leather Belt Thing With A Cup In The Middle?

Answer: A leather fishing belt. You can put the end of the fishing rod in the hole for support.

nyxfriesian Report

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#46

Witt About 2 Foot Wide Indent In The Wall That Has Its Own Overhead Light And Light Switch

Witt About 2 Foot Wide Indent In The Wall That Has Its Own Overhead Light And Light Switch

Answer: It's a phone “booth.” At one point it likely held a phone (likely a payphone). You could stand it in, have your call, and not be in the middle of the hallway.

Major-tomm Report

#47

Small Metal Tool With Hook On End. Found With Some Old Keys And Jewelry

Small Metal Tool With Hook On End. Found With Some Old Keys And Jewelry

Answer: It's a button hook.

MiniRipperton Report

#48

What Are Those Wooden/Plastic Boards In Front Of Doors? Found In A Small Spanish City

What Are Those Wooden/Plastic Boards In Front Of Doors? Found In A Small Spanish City

Answer: Boards that keep stray dogs from peeing on the door.

GOBLINH8ER Report

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David Andrews
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not sure if it's just a similar thing, but I live in the Mediterranean, and boards like these are used in when heavy rain is expected. Because they don't get rain that often here, streets basically turn into rivers when they do, and streets like the ones in the pictures that are sloped with no pavements would result in the water slamming into your door. The boards help channel most of it it back into the street instead of coming into your house

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#49

This “Gate” On The Niagara River, There’s Nothing Behind It. I Assumed It Was Part Of A Dock Or Something, But Can’t Think Of Its Use

This “Gate” On The Niagara River, There’s Nothing Behind It. I Assumed It Was Part Of A Dock Or Something, But Can’t Think Of Its Use

Answer: Basically there are huge underground tunnels that take water to the power plants, these gates shut the water to them.

Limelight_019283 Report

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Manda Hart
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

:scrolls up and down: 'What are you doing?' 'Testing my nausea threshold'.

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#50

Strange Circular Huts, Made Of Brick And Metal

Strange Circular Huts, Made Of Brick And Metal

Answer: These are old kilns.

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Mia Black
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

English is my second language so I had to look up kilns. In German is Brennofen. So burning oven for pottery and others

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#51

This Little Ramp Thingy On The Bottom Of A Lotion Bottle

This Little Ramp Thingy On The Bottom Of A Lotion Bottle

Answer: It’s for the manufacturing of the product so that it can be turned while standing up.

Eastern-East1476 Report

#52

Tennisracket With A Hook On The Back, On A Long Chain With Ball At The End. Looks Like Merchandise, But What Is The Hook And The Chain With The Ball For?

Tennisracket With A Hook On The Back, On A Long Chain With Ball At The End. Looks Like Merchandise, But What Is The Hook And The Chain With The Ball For?

Answer: This is used to measure the height of the net in tennis.

Mcmakar Report

#53

Small Vintage Metal Decorative Item That Gets Blazing Hot When Plugged In. (Unplugged Immediately To Avoid Fire)

Small Vintage Metal Decorative Item That Gets Blazing Hot When Plugged In. (Unplugged Immediately To Avoid Fire)

Answer: A cigarette lighter.

junkshopper2000 Report

#54

Thin Piece Of Metal With A Group Of Varying Hole Types

Thin Piece Of Metal With A Group Of Varying Hole Types

Answer: It’s for drafting. It’s an eraser shield.

bu11fr0g Report

#55

My Husband Found This While Hunting. It's Made Of Metal And Is A Little Bit Bigger Than A Plow, At Least 10' Wide And 25' Long

My Husband Found This While Hunting. It's Made Of Metal And Is A Little Bit Bigger Than A Plow, At Least 10' Wide And 25' Long

Answer: It’s a baler! The metal bands have small metal prongs protitruding, they pick up the hay. The corkscrew in the back moves it into the baling chamber, where a ram compresses it into a bale, after that it’s tied together and pushed out of the machine.

only1jellybeanz Report

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#56

What Are These Little Dots On Our Hotel Mirror? They Seem To Be Behind The Glass

What Are These Little Dots On Our Hotel Mirror? They Seem To Be Behind The Glass

Answer: Mirror guy here, there are lots of things related to the adhesive that can pull off or degrade the silver backing, including: forceful detachment of the adhesive which pulls off the silver, using an acid curing adhesive instead of a neutral curing adhesive, putting the adhesive onto unpainted Sheetrock which screws up the curing process, or drawing a closed shape with the adhesive so air gets trapped in it when the mirror is pressed against the wall.

AdamCohn Report

#57

What Is This Thing? It’s Magnetic, Very Dark Grey, Weighs 22 Grams, I Think It’s Metal. Cold To Touch, But Warms Up In My Hand

What Is This Thing? It’s Magnetic, Very Dark Grey, Weighs 22 Grams, I Think It’s Metal. Cold To Touch, But Warms Up In My Hand

Answer: It's one of a pair of "rattlesnake eggs". You hold them separated slightly in your hand, and toss them up in the air, and they make a cool noise when they magnetize together. That's about it.

MotherOfMagpies23 Report

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Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They're magnetic! I had one stuck to my fridge once upon a time... where the hell did that thing go, anyway? I hope it didn't hatch into a magnetic rattlesnake.

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#58

Witt: This Weird Object With A Glass Roof On A Back Of A Truck I Found In Astoria, Oregon On Street View

Witt: This Weird Object With A Glass Roof On A Back Of A Truck I Found In Astoria, Oregon On Street View

Answer: It's a dry water massage bed. A person lays inside and water pummels them.

Wraldpyk Report

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#59

This Plastic Hole Filled With A Foam Insert Underneath Nike Sneaker Sole Insert, Only In The Left Shoe

This Plastic Hole Filled With A Foam Insert Underneath Nike Sneaker Sole Insert, Only In The Left Shoe

Answer: It is a space for a wireless pod that tracks your running workout called Nike+ sensor.

Zyloph Report

#60

A Kind Of Wooden Gateway In A Fence In The Woods?

A Kind Of Wooden Gateway In A Fence In The Woods?

Answer: It’s a badger gate.

3sponge Report

#61

What Is This Stuff In The (Seawater) Canal Next To My House?

What Is This Stuff In The (Seawater) Canal Next To My House?

Answer: This happens a lot in seawater. You see it in the beach all the time as a thick brownish foam. Basically, as marine creatures and so on (especially algae) decompose after death their bodies break down into various components. One of the processes is called saponification and basically converts fats into soap (fun fact, the same thing can happen to un-preserved humans). This coats the sand, gravel, rocks etc and then it is stirred up into foam by the water and (usually) high winds. On the beach it’s usually a mix of these animal byproducts, sand and other contaminants, it’s likely similar here but with less sand. In a canal it is likely stirred up by the wake of watercraft.

hamo804 Report

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Uncommon Boston
Community Member
Premium
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also could be pollen. It is on our cars, walkways, swimming pools and ponds. This year it won't stop coming. Rain water has a yellow leading edge.

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#62

What Are These Rails Between The Main Rails Called And What Is Their Purpose?

What Are These Rails Between The Main Rails Called And What Is Their Purpose?

Answer: Guide rails for keeping a derailed car from getting too off center.

marxman28 Report

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Jon Steensen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...you often see them in locations where a train going off rail would lead to an extra catastrophic event. E.g. on bridges where a derailment would mean that the train either goes into the water, or could end up on a raod bassing under the track etc. In the depicted location, it looks like a train station where a derailed train could smash into a lot of passengers waiting on the platform.

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#63

What Is This Thing? It's Wooden And About 6ft Tall, Found Inside Goethe House

What Is This Thing? It's Wooden And About 6ft Tall, Found Inside Goethe House

Answer: Linen press.

boredaugust Report

#64

What Is This Large White Pod Thing In My Neighbours Garden?

What Is This Large White Pod Thing In My Neighbours Garden?

Answer: It’s a home observatory. The telescope inside doesn’t have to be particularly big, but chances are if they spent the money on the dome they have a pretty nice scope.

jlol8452 Report

#65

Anyone Know What This Is? Gold Ring With Thin Plastic. About 1 Cm

Anyone Know What This Is? Gold Ring With Thin Plastic. About 1 Cm

Answer: Looks like the membrane from a kazoo.

isabel_77 Report

#66

Metal Spring Thing With 2 Red Glass Balls. Can Be Separated, The Balls Do Come Out. Little Over 3 Inches. Looks Like A Pair Of Tongs Holding The Red Balls

Metal Spring Thing With 2 Red Glass Balls. Can Be Separated, The Balls Do Come Out. Little Over 3 Inches. Looks Like A Pair Of Tongs Holding The Red Balls

Answer: An old blade honer/sharpener.

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#67

What Is This Ancient Bronze Pot With Two Spouts That Looks Like A Hanging Lavabo But Whose Necks Are Too Low To Carry Water Without Spilling?

What Is This Ancient Bronze Pot With Two Spouts That Looks Like A Hanging Lavabo But Whose Necks Are Too Low To Carry Water Without Spilling?

Answer: An oil lamp.

watamat Report

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#68

Two Plastic Hook Shaped Tools With Double Forks On The End. What Are These And What They Used For?

Two Plastic Hook Shaped Tools With Double Forks On The End. What Are These And What They Used For?

Answer: A tick removal tool. It's called a "tick twister".

Repulsive-Wear8696 Report

#69

3-4 Inch Metal Barrel With Holes On Top, Bottom, And Sides. Found In Elderly Couples Home While Cleaning Out

3-4 Inch Metal Barrel With Holes On Top, Bottom, And Sides. Found In Elderly Couples Home While Cleaning Out

Answer: A holder for moth balls, called "mortemoth".

pocketfullasunshine1 Report

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#70

What Are The Built-In Funnel-Like Things In These Early 20th Century Kitchen Cabinets?

What Are The Built-In Funnel-Like Things In These Early 20th Century Kitchen Cabinets?

Answer: A Hoosier flour sifter. The flour is contained in a box above or in this case - the conical bag and you crank out what you need below.

98_percent_angel Report

#71

Municipal Pickup Trucks Blowing Gas Through The Streets

Municipal Pickup Trucks Blowing Gas Through The Streets

Answer: This is a ULV mosquito adulticiding fogger.

LibyanKing Report

#72

Fully Wooden, Too Short To Be A Table, Too Wide To Be A Bench. Found At A Farmers Market

Fully Wooden, Too Short To Be A Table, Too Wide To Be A Bench. Found At A Farmers Market

Answer: It's a chair, howdah style.

ali_cat_ Report

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"A howdah is is a carriage or chair which is positioned on the back of an elephant, or occasionally some other animal such as a camel, used most often in the past to carry wealthy people during progresses or processions, hunting or in warfare. It was also a symbol of wealth for the owner and as a result might be elaborately decorated, even with expensive gemstones."

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#73

My Neighbor Had A Sink Hole In His Yard. It's Been Dug Up And There Are 3 Chambers. There Was A Cement Slab Over All The Chambers And At Least 6 Inch Walls All Around. One Of The Ceiling Slabs Gave Out And Exposed A Dry Empty Hole

My Neighbor Had A Sink Hole In His Yard. It's Been Dug Up And There Are 3 Chambers. There Was A Cement Slab Over All The Chambers And At Least 6 Inch Walls All Around. One Of The Ceiling Slabs Gave Out And Exposed A Dry Empty Hole

Answer: Old septic tank.

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#74

Cast Iron Chicken, Rescued From The Scrap Heap. Any Idea What They’re Used For?

Cast Iron Chicken, Rescued From The Scrap Heap. Any Idea What They’re Used For?

Answer: These are Japanese folding screen weights.

RepTheDee Report

#75

Found In A Jewelry Box. 2 1/2” Metal Piece That Unscrews And Has Three Pointy Plastic Pieces Inside

Found In A Jewelry Box. 2 1/2” Metal Piece That Unscrews And Has Three Pointy Plastic Pieces Inside

Answer: It's a tooth pick in a design patented in 1881.

ruby_dust17 Report

#76

Plastic Trinket Found In A Corporate Swag Bag. Has A Hole Just Big Enough For A Fingertip, And Two Nubs Looking Like It Clips To Something

Plastic Trinket Found In A Corporate Swag Bag. Has A Hole Just Big Enough For A Fingertip, And Two Nubs Looking Like It Clips To Something

Answer: It’s a keyboard key remover. It’s to help install custom keys but if it didn’t come with any custom keys, they probably gave it to you to help you remove all the keys to make cleaning easier.

NuclearHoagie Report

#77

Laptop With Folding Sensors And Wires Going Into A Backpack. They Seem To Be Measuring Something. Saw Multiple People Walking Around With These Setups At A Major League Baseball Game

Laptop With Folding Sensors And Wires Going Into A Backpack. They Seem To Be Measuring Something. Saw Multiple People Walking Around With These Setups At A Major League Baseball Game

Answer: They're measuring wifi strength and saturation as part of MLB's deal with Extreme Networks.

paradigmjumper Report

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Mojo Flizash
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The fact that there is a seat behind that support beam means at some point some poor schmuck has paid for that seat.

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#78

What Is The Purpose Of The Vertical Slot In Hotel Bedside Table?

What Is The Purpose Of The Vertical Slot In Hotel Bedside Table?

Answer: It’s for laptop/tablet storage while charging.

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nancy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

based on how dated the furniture looks, it looks like it might be designed to hold a phone book

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#79

Contraption Found On A Hiking Trail In Utah Made Of Several Flat And Round Pieces Of Metal, Held Together By Screws With A Thicker Hollow Part Running Parallel To The Longest Metal Strip

Contraption Found On A Hiking Trail In Utah Made Of Several Flat And Round Pieces Of Metal, Held Together By Screws With A Thicker Hollow Part Running Parallel To The Longest Metal Strip

Answer: A wagon brake.

WrinkledWatchman Report

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Susan Robinson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh boy…I read that as contraception instead of contraption. Totally different!

#80

What Is This Black Rubber Thing Attached To A Bungee Type Cord Inside My New Ski Jacket?

What Is This Black Rubber Thing Attached To A Bungee Type Cord Inside My New Ski Jacket?

Answer: It is a phone holder.

Different-Aerie-6508 Report

#81

What Are These Giant Bowls With Straw "Hats" In The Beginning Of The Magnificent Seven?

What Are These Giant Bowls With Straw "Hats" In The Beginning Of The Magnificent Seven?

Answer: They are granaries, for corn and grain.

ProperNomenclature Report

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#82

What Is This Thing? It’s An Unmanned Ship Of Some Sort About The Same Size As A Big Kayak. Expensive Radar & Solar Panels On It. We Were On A Head Boat & This Was About 15 Miles Off The Coast In North Carolina. Captain Radioed The Nearby Navy Ship Who Claims. It Was Not Theirs

What Is This Thing? It’s An Unmanned Ship Of Some Sort About The Same Size As A Big Kayak. Expensive Radar & Solar Panels On It. We Were On A Head Boat & This Was About 15 Miles Off The Coast In North Carolina. Captain Radioed The Nearby Navy Ship Who Claims. It Was Not Theirs

Answer: Saildrone.

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Owen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

UNV - Unmanned Nautical Vessel. Probably used for gathering data about the water, pollution levels or seabed.

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#83

Found At An Estate Sale. Ceramic Bars/Tiles? Roughly 5 In By 1 In. Painted Bottom?

Found At An Estate Sale. Ceramic Bars/Tiles? Roughly 5 In By 1 In. Painted Bottom?

Answer: Knife rests.

Echidnado Report

#84

What Is This Chain With 2 Handles That Fit Together?

What Is This Chain With 2 Handles That Fit Together?

Answer: It's a vintage police restraint chain called "chain nipper".

Mrandres21 Report

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

According to the description I read, the police officer would loop the chain around the suspect's wrists, then the officer would grasp both of the handles. Nowadays, handcuffs are used XD

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#85

What Is This White Plastic Looking Thing And The Tan Clay Like Material Sticking To The Siding On My House?

What Is This White Plastic Looking Thing And The Tan Clay Like Material Sticking To The Siding On My House?

Answer: It's a temperature sensor for a humidifier.

hiberniagermania Report

#86

What Is This Metal Bowl Shaped Thing With A Hollow Handle/Spout?

What Is This Metal Bowl Shaped Thing With A Hollow Handle/Spout?

Answer: It's part of a cream separator for milk.

Wht-ever Report

#87

What Is This Tiny Fork For? Dinner Fork For Scale

What Is This Tiny Fork For? Dinner Fork For Scale

Answer: This is a seafood or cocktail fork.

GnedTheGnome Report

#88

Large, Heavy Metal Hexagonal Object Found In Central Wyoming. It Has 3 Hollowed-Out Containers Each Attached To A Central Pipe. The 'Lids' On Top Are Bolted Shut

Large, Heavy Metal Hexagonal Object Found In Central Wyoming. It Has 3 Hollowed-Out Containers Each Attached To A Central Pipe. The 'Lids' On Top Are Bolted Shut

Answer: A ball mill. Similar in concept to a rock tumbler, but used by industry to powderize or smooth materials.

BoutelouaGracilis Report

#89

Small Metal Rocket Found At A Yard Sale Years Ago. Seen Only Other Other Similar Item, But It Had No Description As To What It Was

Small Metal Rocket Found At A Yard Sale Years Ago. Seen Only Other Other Similar Item, But It Had No Description As To What It Was

Answer: It's a lazy dog. A small bomb dropped in large numbers. No explosives in it.

maxuhmillion28 Report

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"The weapons were designed to be dropped from an aircraft. They contained no explosive charge but as they fell they would develop significant kinetic energy making them lethal and able to easily penetrate soft cover such as jungle canopy, several inches of sand, or light armor. Lazy Dog munitions were simple and relatively cheap; they could be dropped in huge numbers in a single pass. Though their effects were often no more deadly than other projectiles, they did not leave unexploded ordnance that could be active years after a conflict ended. Lazy Dog projectiles were used primarily during the Korean and the Vietnam Wars."

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#90

Hollow Aluminum Sphere 23"5/8 Circumference, Made From Two Hemispheres Welded Together. Has Multiple Ports. Painted Olive Drab Green

Hollow Aluminum Sphere 23"5/8 Circumference, Made From Two Hemispheres Welded Together. Has Multiple Ports. Painted Olive Drab Green

Answer: Hydraulic fluid reservoir for a military vehicle, possibly a hercules.

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#91

Several Of These Went Up In A County Park Near Me; Small Wooden Boxes, Some Of Them Have Jars Underneath

Several Of These Went Up In A County Park Near Me; Small Wooden Boxes, Some Of Them Have Jars Underneath

Answer: Carpenter Bee traps.

redscarfdemon Report

#92

Renting A House And The Basement Has These Ropes With Some Sort Of Plastic Hooks/Clamps

Renting A House And The Basement Has These Ropes With Some Sort Of Plastic Hooks/Clamps

Answer: A display for hats.

rramirezcantu Report

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd figure out a way to attach potted plants and have a lovely vegetation wall :D

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#93

Weird Plastic Red "Key" That I Found In My Apartment After The Firefighters Left After A Fire

Weird Plastic Red "Key" That I Found In My Apartment After The Firefighters Left After A Fire

Answer: A pull pin from a fire extinguisher.

LoganSlendy Report

#94

Brass Spear Shaped Item With Twisted Copper Handle Or Attachment

Brass Spear Shaped Item With Twisted Copper Handle Or Attachment

Answer: Looks like a it’s maybe a flagpole finial, possibly 19th century or early twentieth.

nate8334 Report

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Alisa LaVine
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like it might be military for the guidon bearer in an honor guard unit. Used in parades and special events. Yes. I was a baby guidon bearer in the USAF in Basic Training and Tech School. Never did Honor Guard though.

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#95

A Foam Rubber Promo Item From The Local Water Authority. What Is It For?

A Foam Rubber Promo Item From The Local Water Authority. What Is It For?

Answer: YVW Water Watchers! Initiative to remind children to conserve water when possible. This is insanely clever. The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently when they know or feel like they’re being watched—choosing a healthier meal at lunch with your fit friends, or being more productive at work when you sit near the boss’s office.

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#96

What Is This Coiled Sheet Metal Attached To A Piece Of Wood?

What Is This Coiled Sheet Metal Attached To A Piece Of Wood?

Answer: It's for holding books.

el_gato_uno Report

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Robert Trebor
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Book catapult. Pull one book out, the thing springs shut, firing one more into the air.

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#97

Floppy Silicone Thing Found At Amazon Bin Store. It Does Not Stick To Bathroom Tile To Hold Toothbrushes

Floppy Silicone Thing Found At Amazon Bin Store. It Does Not Stick To Bathroom Tile To Hold Toothbrushes

Answer: It’s a spoon rest for cooking so your counter top doesn’t get dirty. Can hold multiple utensils at once. Easy to wash and clean.

PoetryOfLogicalIdeas Report

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Owen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love one of these. I waste a lot of water by constantly washing utensils as I cook.

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#98

I’ve Been Walking By This On The North Side Of 10th St (Between 6th And 5th Ave In The West Village) In NYC For Years. It’s The Only One Like It That I Know Of. Made Of Brass, Embedded In The Sidewalk. What Is It?

I’ve Been Walking By This On The North Side Of 10th St (Between 6th And 5th Ave In The West Village) In NYC For Years. It’s The Only One Like It That I Know Of. Made Of Brass, Embedded In The Sidewalk. What Is It?

Answer: It’s a sensor to turn the heated sidewalk on and off.

littleteethparty Report

#99

Big Wooden Thing That Kinda Looks Like A Clothes Pin. It's About 4lbs, And 85cm Tall. It's A Dark Wood That's A Bit Worn Down And I'm Guessing It's Over 40 Years Old?

Big Wooden Thing That Kinda Looks Like A Clothes Pin. It's About 4lbs, And 85cm Tall. It's A Dark Wood That's A Bit Worn Down And I'm Guessing It's Over 40 Years Old?

Answer: A wash tamper or "wasstamper" in Dutch.

solidboom Report

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PandaGoPanda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s a washing dolly, to help you agitate and clean the laundry better, and it’ll probably closer to 100 years old than 40.

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#100

Lightweight, Metal Object With Chain Connecting Two Pieces. Both Sides Are Identical With No Identifying Marks. Labeled As “Mystery Item”

Lightweight, Metal Object With Chain Connecting Two Pieces. Both Sides Are Identical With No Identifying Marks. Labeled As “Mystery Item”

Answer: It’s a pull chain and hanging bracket for a solid door bell.

tired-until-infinity Report

#101

Purple/Blue Light In Hotel Only Comes On When Hitting Up Channel

Purple/Blue Light In Hotel Only Comes On When Hitting Up Channel

Answer: It's an infrared based occupancy sensor. The TV controller is outputting an infrared signal activating the sensor.

Source: husband who is an electrical engineer.

Infomaniac63 Report

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#102

Fun Plastic Ball Captive In A Strange Plastic Enclosure; Ball Rotates Pretty Freely, Hole In Base Of Enclosure. Found In Garage

Fun Plastic Ball Captive In A Strange Plastic Enclosure; Ball Rotates Pretty Freely, Hole In Base Of Enclosure. Found In Garage

Answer: It’s a manual massage roller ball.

doogal580 Report

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My boyfriend has one of these on his desk and he uses it constantly to massage his arm muscles when we play games. The sound of it rolling in its socket drives me INSANE for some reason. I HATE the sound XD

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#103

Container That Opens Sideways Seen At Homegoods. No Luck With Image Search On Google

Container That Opens Sideways Seen At Homegoods. No Luck With Image Search On Google

Answer: It's a container for keeping herbs fresh in your refrigerator.

Jahstar7 Report

#104

This Washed Up On The Beach. Is Very Heavy But Seems To Barely Float. It Is About The 3-4 Feet Long And Looks Like Fiber Glass On The Outside But Not Completely Sure

This Washed Up On The Beach. Is Very Heavy But Seems To Barely Float. It Is About The 3-4 Feet Long And Looks Like Fiber Glass On The Outside But Not Completely Sure

Answer: It is an outrigger for trolling. you attach a long line to it and this carries it out away from the side of the boat so you can put out two long lines at once. Used for tuna and swordfish in the gulf stream.

avery4206 Report

#105

Yellow/Orange Plastic, Semi-Circular Object Found In My Coworkers Dog's Stomach, Just Removed During Surgery. Approximately 1"X2" Long. Any Ideas? This Is The Only Photo I Have, No Other Angles Unfortunately

Yellow/Orange Plastic, Semi-Circular Object Found In My Coworkers Dog's Stomach, Just Removed During Surgery. Approximately 1"X2" Long. Any Ideas? This Is The Only Photo I Have, No Other Angles Unfortunately

Answer: A rotisserie clamp.

Anxious-Kiwi-92 Report

#106

What Are These Wooden Tools/Implements Being Used By These Guys On This 1940s Swiss Poster?

What Are These Wooden Tools/Implements Being Used By These Guys On This 1940s Swiss Poster?

Answer: That is a paddle designed to swat back a small ball 'a hornet' in the traditional swiss sport or hornussen.

rojothered Report

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#107

Found On The Side Of The Road. It's Made Of Metal And Says Craftsman On The Front. It Has Some Sort Of Cup With A Nozzle Attached. There's Also A Small Rope. It Looked Heavy. About A Foot An A Half Wide And Not Quite A Foot Tall

Found On The Side Of The Road. It's Made Of Metal And Says Craftsman On The Front. It Has Some Sort Of Cup With A Nozzle Attached. There's Also A Small Rope. It Looked Heavy. About A Foot An A Half Wide And Not Quite A Foot Tall

Answer: A vintage craftsman wet wheel sharpening stone tool.

DonKiedicRPG Report

#108

Construction Device With A Yellow Base. Not Sure If It Goes Into The Ground. Makes Melodic Humming Noises At Regular Intervals And Increases In Pitch

Construction Device With A Yellow Base. Not Sure If It Goes Into The Ground. Makes Melodic Humming Noises At Regular Intervals And Increases In Pitch

Answer: Sonde device to measure pipe blockage / delineation using acoustic waves.

PSN_ALadyCat Report

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Colin Matthews
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very similar device used by High Voltage Engineers seeking where the underground cables or grounding coils are buried

#109

I've Seen These Metal (Strings?) Being Taped To Anything From Shampoo Bottles To Face Cream. Some Have Them, Others Don't. What Is It?

I've Seen These Metal (Strings?) Being Taped To Anything From Shampoo Bottles To Face Cream. Some Have Them, Others Don't. What Is It?

Answer: They are anti theft strips and will sound the alarm if you try to pass the detectors at the door when not having paid the item.

lucian_blignaut Report

#110

It’s Like A Hammer But One Side Is Like Spiked. The Head Is Iron With A Wooden Handle. Weighs 500-800g Estimated. There Are No Noticeable Markings On It

It’s Like A Hammer But One Side Is Like Spiked. The Head Is Iron With A Wooden Handle. Weighs 500-800g Estimated. There Are No Noticeable Markings On It

Answer: It’s a comb hammer for dressing stone.

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't see how you'd be able to use that hammer to button up the stone's shirt, though. (Joke - wordplay on "dressing stone" - in actuality, to "dress" stone can also mean "to make or set straight" or "to prepare for use or service".)

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#111

What Is This Knee Wrapping Belt I Saw On An Airplane?

What Is This Knee Wrapping Belt I Saw On An Airplane?

Answer: It's a back support.

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Mia Black
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks interesting. My dad is a big guy and had backpain of course and the more ye older he get...I think this could be something for him. Have to look it up

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#112

What Is This Disc Thing I Was Just Handed With My Bagel? About 10 Inches In Diameter. Pouch Is Too Small To Hold A Can. Tag Says “Dist. By Primeline (Alphabroder) Cpsiatracking.com” I Went To The Url, And It Doesn’t Exist. Searched Those Companies’ Products And Found Nothing Relevant

What Is This Disc Thing I Was Just Handed With My Bagel? About 10 Inches In Diameter. Pouch Is Too Small To Hold A Can. Tag Says “Dist. By Primeline (Alphabroder) Cpsiatracking.com” I Went To The Url, And It Doesn’t Exist. Searched Those Companies’ Products And Found Nothing Relevant

Answer: It's a foldable flying disk.

ActivityFar178 Report

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LK
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Take the disc in your hands. Twist one hand towards you, and the other away. This will cause the disc to curl up on itself, and small enough to be placed in the pouch.

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#113

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

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

Answer: A hanger cover. It's to prevent suits or similar from getting a crease when hanging on a hanger with sharp angles.

ellanaKG Report

#114

Metal Cylinder Washed Up On Beach, Destroyed By Bomb Squad (Pic Taken From News Site)

Metal Cylinder Washed Up On Beach, Destroyed By Bomb Squad (Pic Taken From News Site)

Answer: Mk 25 marine location marker.

JForce1 Report

#115

Anyone Know What This Is For? It Came With My House From 1948. Measures About 4.5” X 5”. Front Part Lifts Up. The Only Markings Is A Handwritten “50” On The Back. Looks Like It Would Have Originally Been Black

Anyone Know What This Is For? It Came With My House From 1948. Measures About 4.5” X 5”. Front Part Lifts Up. The Only Markings Is A Handwritten “50” On The Back. Looks Like It Would Have Originally Been Black

Answer: It's a hose holder that prevents tangling.

No_Maintenance_550 Report

#116

Wire Suspended Above Freeway Onramps In Chandler And Tempe Arizona

Wire Suspended Above Freeway Onramps In Chandler And Tempe Arizona

Answer: It is an Eruv.

fjbruzr Report

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Agfox
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An Eruv is a ritual enclosure around a home or community. It enables the carrying of objects out of doors for Jews on Jewish Sabbath that would otherwise be forbidden by Torah law

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#117

This Inflatable Pillow-Like Object Was Found In Our Yard After A Windstorm. There Is An Opening To Inflate/Deflate It. There Is No Other Text On The Object

This Inflatable Pillow-Like Object Was Found In Our Yard After A Windstorm. There Is An Opening To Inflate/Deflate It. There Is No Other Text On The Object

Answer: An inflatable cushion for securing cargo.

SmartGround754 Report

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M O'Connell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The proper name is a Dunnage Bag, used to take up the empty space in a semi trailer or shipping container to prevent the cargo from moving around.

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#118

Woven Bamboo Object Found In An Antique Shop In Kyoto, Japan. I Believe The Owner Said It Had Something To Do With Tea. Does Anyone Know What This Is?

Woven Bamboo Object Found In An Antique Shop In Kyoto, Japan. I Believe The Owner Said It Had Something To Do With Tea. Does Anyone Know What This Is?

Answer: These are tiny mock versions of what they used to use on riversides to stop erosion. Now they're mostly just decorations or hashi holders (chopstiick holders, but they have much smaller ones - i have some in my cuppard) so your food-covered hashi doesn't touch the table. They were called Takejakago.

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#119

This Christmas Cookie Shape Has Been Confounding My Boyfriend's Family For Over Two Decades. They Call It "The Bomb Cookie"

This Christmas Cookie Shape Has Been Confounding My Boyfriend's Family For Over Two Decades. They Call It "The Bomb Cookie"

Answer: Chef's hat.

reddit.com Report

#120

What Is This Donut Shaped Thing Made Out Of Some Sort Of Recycled Cardboard?

What Is This Donut Shaped Thing Made Out Of Some Sort Of Recycled Cardboard?

Answer: It’s a core plug for a large roll of paper. You take them out when you load them onto a cutting machine to make smaller rolls like adding machine tapes or toilet paper rolls.

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Mike Fitzpatrick
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had these years ago in a printing plant I worked in. They make awesome camp fire fuel once you get the fire lit.

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#121

What Is This Small Wooden Board With Odd Numbers On It

What Is This Small Wooden Board With Odd Numbers On It

Answer: It’s part of a magic kit where the magician “guesses” someone’s number… should be like 6 of them with various numbers on them…

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#122

Anyone Know What This Oval Glass Dish Was Used For? It Has A Raised Circle In The Top Left. The Pen Is Next To It To Indicate Size. Thanks!

Anyone Know What This Oval Glass Dish Was Used For? It Has A Raised Circle In The Top Left. The Pen Is Next To It To Indicate Size. Thanks!

Answer: Snack plate. Circle is for a cup to rest in.

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#123

Aluminum Capsule Found On Beach Of Lake Superior. Has What Looks Like “Manitoba” In Small Letters On One Side. Completely Sealed, But Sounds Like Liquid Inside When Shaken

Aluminum Capsule Found On Beach Of Lake Superior. Has What Looks Like “Manitoba” In Small Letters On One Side. Completely Sealed, But Sounds Like Liquid Inside When Shaken

Answer: It's a fishing net float.

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#124

What Is This Table Of Numbers With Dots Found On A Plastic Suzuki Wheel Arch?

What Is This Table Of Numbers With Dots Found On A Plastic Suzuki Wheel Arch?

Answer: The month and year of manufacture. It’s a permanent dent made in the tool steel of the injection molding tooling, so the most recent dent is the birth date of the wheel arch.

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#125

What Is This Strange Mirrored Panel Above The Bath In My New UK Apartment?

What Is This Strange Mirrored Panel Above The Bath In My New UK Apartment?

Answer: A waterproof bathroom mirror TV.

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#126

Found Behind A Metal Fabrication Factory. Feels Like Plexiglass. 6-8 Feet Long. Very Light. No Words Or Numbers On It. Studded Metal Around The Plexiglass

Found Behind A Metal Fabrication Factory. Feels Like Plexiglass. 6-8 Feet Long. Very Light. No Words Or Numbers On It. Studded Metal Around The Plexiglass

Answer: Canopy covers for glider cockpits.

No-Adeptness1671 Report

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Jon Steensen
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just canopies. Canopy covers are made from fabric and is put on top of the canopies to protect them from getting dirty/scratched when not in use, or to prevent the cockpit and everything in it from getting excrusiatingly hot from the greenhouse effect, if the plane is left in the sun on a hot summersday (the buckles on the parachute or seatbelt can be so hot that you burn your skin touching them).

#127

Wooden Stick. Made Of Dark Wood With Wrapped String Detail, Roughly 2 Feet Long, With Big Heavy Lump At One End, And A Small Hole The Other End. Too Short To Be A Walking Stick

Wooden Stick. Made Of Dark Wood With Wrapped String Detail, Roughly 2 Feet Long, With Big Heavy Lump At One End, And A Small Hole The Other End. Too Short To Be A Walking Stick

Answer: A South African Knobkerrie.

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"A knobkerrie, also spelled knobkerry, knobkierie, and knopkierie, is a form of wooden club, used mainly in Southern and Eastern Africa. Typically they have a large k**b at one end and can be used for throwing at animals in hunting or for clubbing an enemy's head."

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#128

Found This Weird Mountain Dew Thing. It's Magnetic And That's Pretty Much All I Know About It. I Google Image Searched It But Used Nothing But A Lemon Juicer So... What Is It?

Found This Weird Mountain Dew Thing. It's Magnetic And That's Pretty Much All I Know About It. I Google Image Searched It But Used Nothing But A Lemon Juicer So... What Is It?

Answer: Cell phone holder for the car vent.

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Hey!
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have this kit but without the logo. The big magnet goes behind your phone.

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#129

Recessed Kitchen Enclosure: What Is The Purpose Of This Recessed Enclosure In The Wall Of A 1935 House In Southern California? I Don't Have The Measurements, But I Think That It's About A Foot Or So Tall And Is About Five Feet Up On The Wall. There's A Hinged Door That Opens Upward, As Shown

Recessed Kitchen Enclosure: What Is The Purpose Of This Recessed Enclosure In The Wall Of A 1935 House In Southern California? I Don't Have The Measurements, But I Think That It's About A Foot Or So Tall And Is About Five Feet Up On The Wall. There's A Hinged Door That Opens Upward, As Shown

Answer: I think the dowel was put into a shelf slot after the fact to possibly make this into a paper towel holder. I say breadbox.

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mr-b
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A milkman would deliver milk here. The outside has a door that the milkman could open.

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#130

This Tool Which When Folded Up Is Carried In A Leather Pouch And Ia About 2" Long. Folds Out With Two Telescoping Rods That Extend To About 17"

This Tool Which When Folded Up Is Carried In A Leather Pouch And Ia About 2" Long. Folds Out With Two Telescoping Rods That Extend To About 17"

Answer: It's a vintage “Midget” folding garment hanger.

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Pyla
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What movie is it where the bad guy has the stars tied up (I think) and pulls out a garment hanger and each move startles them, then he just hangs up his coat? I wish I could remember.

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#131

Metal Disk Encased In A Dome Shaped Award From The Atomic Energy Commission

Metal Disk Encased In A Dome Shaped Award From The Atomic Energy Commission

Answer: It's a paperweight.

iang626 Report

#132

Large Metallic Bar Across The Top Of A Bike Frame, Apparently Collapsible, With A Knob

Large Metallic Bar Across The Top Of A Bike Frame, Apparently Collapsible, With A Knob

Answer: It’s an old style attachment for a child seat.

AlfajorConFernet Report

#133

What Is The Function Of This Row Of Flexible Plastic Tabs On My Fridge Door? It’s Not Removable

What Is The Function Of This Row Of Flexible Plastic Tabs On My Fridge Door? It’s Not Removable

Answer: To hold bottles up, so they don't fall out of the door.

perksofbeingcrafty Report

#134

What Is It? I Found This In One Of Our Flowerbeds. It Looks Like Two Chain Links With Four Rubber Bands Around Them. On The Side It Says “Narrow” And “Zsc-Z51”

What Is It? I Found This In One Of Our Flowerbeds. It Looks Like Two Chain Links With Four Rubber Bands Around Them. On The Side It Says “Narrow” And “Zsc-Z51”

Answer: Fidget toy.

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#135

Small Metal Thing Attached To Pipe. Looks Like A Pressure Valve At The Top?

Small Metal Thing Attached To Pipe. Looks Like A Pressure Valve At The Top?

Answer: A Remfly Perimeter Trip Alarm.

johnnycross798 Report

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"The metal thing attached to the pipe is an alarm mine. It uses a trip wire to set off a pin to strike a black 12G shotgun cartridge which would be installed facing downwards." Yikes!!

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#136

Found In A Garage In The Pnw. Metal, Copper-Colored Disk About 2-3 Inches Across And Over 1 Inch Thick. One Side Has 2 Teardrop Grooves That Almost Looks Like A Pig Nose, The Other Side A Holographic Sticker Of A Rock And Roll Skeleton Skull

Found In A Garage In The Pnw. Metal, Copper-Colored Disk About 2-3 Inches Across And Over 1 Inch Thick. One Side Has 2 Teardrop Grooves That Almost Looks Like A Pig Nose, The Other Side A Holographic Sticker Of A Rock And Roll Skeleton Skull

Answer: It’s a pog slammer.

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pogs, oh my god. They were the RAGE when I was a kid. I still have a sweet Mortal Kombat slammer from the early 90s!

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#137

Found A Weird Rolling Shelf In My Wardrobe

Found A Weird Rolling Shelf In My Wardrobe

Answer: It’s for ties.

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#138

What Is This Electrical Outlet Box Plugged In To The Outlets At My Hotel?

What Is This Electrical Outlet Box Plugged In To The Outlets At My Hotel?

Answer: It's a type of WAP for the hotel staff called AT&T Staff Alert.

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#139

A Black Metal Puck With A Silver Tri-Point Pattern On One Side; Unscrews Into 3 Pieces. About 2in/5cm Wide, 1.5in/4cm Tall, Weighs About 13oz. Listed As "Mystery Item" At A Public Auction In Southern California

A Black Metal Puck With A Silver Tri-Point Pattern On One Side; Unscrews Into 3 Pieces. About 2in/5cm Wide, 1.5in/4cm Tall, Weighs About 13oz. Listed As "Mystery Item" At A Public Auction In Southern California

Answer: I think it's actually to evenly distribute the coffee rather than tamp it, the tamper would be used after this thing and has a flat bottom.

motherherbivore_ Report