Up until the early 20th century, most people still believed in everything from ghosts to demons. This religious and faith-based nature made creatures such as bats a lot scarier than they are today, as they carried deep mythological significance at the time.
This hand-sculpted torch was created in honor of an older version of Halloween. It shows a bat spreading its wings and kind of looks like a Batman logo. Its torso is made to split open and light a fire inside before hanging it on a wall to illuminate a gloomy stairwell. They sure don’t make them like they used to.
This Beautiful Axe from the late 16th Century
One of the most respected professions that has nearly disappeared from the earth is that of a blacksmith. Today’s advancements in technology make it impossible to make a living as a blacksmith unless you’re willing to learn how to monetize your work online. Blacksmiths of the old days were taught by apprenticeship and spent decades honing and mastering their craft.
If you’re looking for an example of the kind of skill performed by blacksmiths, look no further than this 16th-century German axe. It’s quite perplexing how much time and talent went into a tool mainly used to cut down trees. This short axe is filled with beautiful carvings along its blade and flowery ornaments across its handle. It was most likely presented to a royal or socialite family to use as a weapon in battle.
This Victorian-Era Elevator from 1890
Elevators give the appearance of a recent invention, but while today’s modern elevators are indeed quite recent, the concept of using a booth to go up and down has been around for decades. Elevators have basically existed even during medieval times in a very primitive form.
The first “true” elevators were created sometime around the late 19th century, during the Victorian Era. They used steam and hydraulic systems as a way to go up and down and included beautiful architecture and designs from the period. The technology eventually progressed, as today’s elevators are almost entirely electrical. However, they have lost their artistic features along the way.
This 1939 Vehicle Was One of the 20th Century's Most Ambitious
Duesenberg Motors Company closed its doors in 1937 after Cord's financial empire went bankrupt. However, before retiring, he had one last project to complete. The 1939 Duesenberg Coupe Simone Midnight Ghost took a full three years to complete and was entirely custom-made. It’s considered by many the most beautiful car ever made.
The Midnight Ghost was inspired by the Art Deco movement and captures the romance and grandeur of that era. It was made by American car designer Emmet-Armand and was based on the Duesenberg Type J. The car was ordered by the French cosmetics mogul Gui De LaRouche. Many believe the car was lost in World War II.
The Statue of Liberty When It Was Still in Paris and Covered in Copper
We've covered the Statue of Liberty in multiple entries already, as it is one of the most important monuments in American history. This landmark is a welcome sign to all new immigrants and inspires values of freedom in everyone. It was originally built in Paris and sent as a gift to America in the late 19th century.
The statue can be seen here in its final form, back when it was still in Paris. Lady Liberty was originally made of copper, and this can be quite clearly seen in the picture. It has since lost its glossiness and turned green due to oxidation. It took years to construct the structure and many more years to transport and assemble it on Ellis Island.