In the depths of Reddit, curious individuals have been seeking help from internet strangers to identify mysterious historical odd objects found in unexpected places. These enigmatic artifacts, from antique valentines to historical tools, offer a fascinating glimpse into our past.
1. Victorian Match Safe with a Mysterious Stain
Discovered in a turn-of-the-century dump near a Civil War battle site, this object is the bottom half of a Victorian match safe. The reddish mark, initially thought to be blood, is likely just corrosion or old paint.
2. Antique Milk Bottle Openers from an Old Farmhouse
These small metal items, found in an old farmhouse, are actually vintage milk bottle openers. They were a common household tool before the advent of plastic caps and cartons.
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3. Strange Historical Medical Kit with Forceps and Vials
Donated to a thrift store, this late 1800s medical kit contains a variety of tools, including obstetrical forceps, sounds for probing orifices, and potentially dangerous vials. Experts recommend contacting a pharmacy for proper disposal of the vials.
4. Mysterious Metal Jug Painted Black
With a unique stopper-like lid and a heavy base, this metal jug from the late 19th century was likely used to store liquids. It could have been a combustion pot for dangerous substances or perhaps even a container for old fire starter fluid.
5. Steel Frame with Two Glass Marbles
This unusual steel frame with two glass marbles is actually a razor blade sharpener. It was a common tool in the past for maintaining sharp blades.
6. Brass Cylinder Found with Medical Supplies
This brass cylinder, discovered with other medical supplies, is an old hot water bottle. It was used to warm up a baby’s bed before modern heating methods.
7. Metal Odd Objects Found in an Antique Music Box
This metal object with a loop and screw is an earring back for non-pierced ears. This style was popular in the 1940s and ’50s, perhaps even earlier.
8. Ceramic Odd Objects Found in a Farmhouse
This ceramic object is a vintage hat/stick pin holder. It was used to store and display these accessories in a stylish way.
9. Tiny Door in an 18th-Century House
This tiny door, found in an 18th-century house, is for coal storage. Small amounts of coal were kept “under the stairs” for easy access to replenish the hearths.
10. Large Metallic Cylinder on an Icelandic Beach
This large metallic cylinder is part of the SOSUS (sound surveillance system) used for detecting submarines during the Cold War. It was likely lost or discarded and poses no threat.
Read More: People Ask For Help Identifying Weird Objects, And The Answers Are Surprising (And A Little Creepy)
11. Heavy, Marble Odd Objects with a Nub
This heavy, marble object with a nub is a doorstop. It was commonly used in the early 20th century in houses without air conditioning, where windows were often left open.
12. Glass Vial Filled with Liquid and Crystals
This glass vial is a storm glass. The crystals inside change depending on the weather, serving as a rudimentary weather predictor.
13. Metal Piece That Unscrews with Three Pointy Plastic Pieces
This metal object is a toothpick holder. Its design was patented in 1881 and features a retractable holder for storing small toothpicks.
14. Mailbox Lock with Letters Around It
This mailbox lock was originally a combination lock. The letters around it were used to set the combination, but it has since been retrofitted with a key lock.
15. Silver Odd Objects Found in an Old Medicine Cabinet
This silver object is a toothbrush. While it looks different from modern toothbrushes, it served the same purpose for oral hygiene.
16. Case from an Attic Containing a Syringe and Vials
This case found in an attic contains an injection syringe and vials. It was likely used for administering morphine or other medications in the early 1900s.
17. Masonic Symbol on an Early 1800s Gravestone
This masonic symbol found on a gravestone in Vermont represents the Royal Arch Chapter of Freemasonry. It features coded sides and the Hebrew name for God in the center.
18. House in the Middle of the Ocean
This house in the middle of Mobile Bay, Alabama, is the Middle Bay Light. It began operations in 1885 and served as a lighthouse until 1967. It has since been renovated and continues to serve as a historical landmark.
19. Thing Found on a Hike that Looks Like an Egg
This object found on a hike is an antique egg coddler. It was used to cook eggs by immersing them in boiling water.
20. U.S. Bond Interest Coupon from 1882
This bond interest coupon is an extremely rare find. It is a $50 consol quarterly interest coupon from 1882, and few are known to exist. If the matching bond is found, the set could be worth a significant amount.
These intriguing objects serve as a reminder of the rich history that surrounds us. By examining these artifacts, we can learn more about the lives and practices of those who came before us.
Read More: 20 People Share Some of The Most Bewildering Old Objects They’ve Ever Found
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