Most people will not spare those unrecognizable items a second glance. Others, however, will be intrigued enough to ask the internet what exactly these peculiar findings are. Keep reading to take a look at those puzzling purchases.
Tea Time
This little gizmo looks like something any tea connoisseur should know. Surprisingly, however, it has nothing to do with tea.
What you're looking at is called a scuttle. And while it looks like the holy reunion between two teacups, it's actually a shaving accessory. The top part is meant to hold shaving cream, and the bottom part is where you clean the brush.
Tumbling Toilets?
Using a public bathroom is riddled with potential dangers. Questions about hygiene, toilet paper supply, and obscene graffiti take center stage whether you like it or not. But one question you usually don't ask yourself is if the toilet has enough support.
After seeing this picture, though, you might start questioning the stability of any wall-mounted toilet bowl.
From Construction to Artillery
In the days of yore, ancient builders and construction workers had used a tool called a plumb bob. Similar in shape to the object we see here, the plumb bob is used in construction and carpentry to make sure surfaces are straight and well-balanced.
This dreidle-like item, however, turned out to be a Japanese artillery fuse. The dials and markings were used to determine an explosion's delay time (0-30 seconds).
Freezing Your Assets
Nothing is more satisfying than finding money on the street. When this person stumbled upon what seemed like a block of frozen cash, they were about to do their happy dance, but then they took a closer look and realized something wasn't quite right.
Like how this ice block was out in the dirt and not melting. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be no more than a sorely misleading paperweight.
Pet Store Perks
Toys for pets are usually pretty self-explanatory. They're all basically differently-shaped items to either chew or chase around. Simple as that. Or, at least, that's what we thought.
This odd-looking piece of rubber turns out to be a toothbrushing toy for dogs! The flat bottom sticks to the floor, leaving the upright part steadily sticking up so your pooch can chew on the bristles and clean its teeth.
Peculiar Pliers
Those who know their way around a toolbox might know what this thing is. Others might mistake these pliers for a torture device.
When asking the internet about the purpose of this mysterious piece of equipment, internet users explained that these pliers are for piston ring installation. Still clueless? Don't worry. Non-mechanics won't have much to do with this instrument anyway.
Kitchen Mystery
Unless you were a noble debutant preparing for her first banquet, odds are you have no idea what's the difference between a salad fork and a fish fork. Let alone what this wooden stick is supposed to do.
As it turns out, this tool is designed to help you pick up olives while keeping your hands clean. It is also helpful in reaching the olives left at the bottom of a jar.
Baking Beauties
Baking enthusiasts will recognize this kit right away. Those who stick to buying their bread rather than making it will have no clue what they're looking at.
According to some social media users, anyone who possesses these items has everything they need to make their own loaves of bread: a dough-proofing basket and utensils for dough-cutting and bench-scrapping.
Long Time No See (a Proper Clock)
With digital clocks all around us, learning how to read an analog clock is becoming an irrelevant skill. And reading this atrocity of a clock? Fuggedaboutit!
Located in Berlin, this is called a 'Set Theory Clock,' and this is how you read it (if you must): using increments of one and five, the top two rows essentially mean 5+5 (so 1o hours), and the bottom two show 5+4 (so 9 minutes).
Let It Glow
DIY enthusiasts would look at a glass jar and see endless possibilities, but we doubt one of the possibilities would include the use of UV light.
The mysterious, iridescent glow has sparked a firey online discussion. So far, the leading theory about its source is that the jar used to hold uranium, vaseline, or manganese-containing beauty product.
Fruity Adventure
The supermarket or the grocery store rarely surprises us. We've been there, we've seen it all, we know the sales don't really mean we spend less money. But when this guy saw this piece of unrecognized candy, he was thoroughly surprised and simply had to tell the internet.
After consulting with fellow Redditors, the identity of this piece of food turned out to be candied prickly pear. Baloo's favorite!
Tailor-Made
Goodwill has an endless potential to surprise you. From fun, random t-shirts to one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, there are always exciting things to be found. Just like this...wait, what is it really?
After taking this question to the world wide web, this person learned that this tool was used by tailors to make buttonholes back in the day.
Merry Christmas to You Too!
This collection of weird silver pieces looks like some sort of a puzzle. However, the reason why no one can solve it is that it's no puzzle at all.
After diving into the online hivemind, it turns out that this is a modular trivet. You know, the thing you put under hot pots and pans to protect your table/countertop? That. Except you can play with the stringed jacks depending on the size and shape of your pot!
What's In the Box?
This picture of a mysterious copper box was posted online for the world to guess its use. It turns out that the buyer purchased it without even knowing what it was for. Luckily, people online had the answers.
According to the online thread, this ornate item is a tinder box (no, not the app). In the past, these boxes stored supplies needed to start a fire. Nowadays, they are just something people see at the flea market.
Knock Knock, Who’s There?
Remember that episode of "Friends" when the guys' apartment (even though the girls lived there at the time) had a light switch nobody knew the function for? This mysterious Lego-like contraption had people facing a similar situation.
After investigating and asking around, it turned out that this used to be a doorbell chime. Not even half as exciting as turning on the TV at the neighbors' house.
Where Is My Phone?
The fear of losing your mobile is a real thing. There's even a name for it — nomophobia (as in No Mobile phobia). Anyone suffering from it might want to consider getting an item like the one we see in the picture.
The lace with a little attachment at the end is actually designed to loop around a hole in the phone case and worn around your neck. You'll never lose your phone again!
The 90s Called
Anyone who was born in the 90s or before would immediately know what this little strap of neon rubber is. Apparently, the person who posted this picture is either GenZ or younger.
On the off-chance of you not recognizing this object, allow us to explain — once slapped on a wrist, this strap curls around it like a bracelet. All the cool kids have one.
Repurposing
Plastic can be molded into pretty much anything. And when we say anything, we also mean this unidentifiable piece of whatever it is that's pictured below.
A pencil holder might be a nice improvised use for it, but the internet people came to the rescue with its true purpose — a remote holder. Since things are shifting to voice activation anyway, a pencil holder might actually be a better use for this.
Are You Thready?
This Russian-doll-like item was found in an antique store and purchased by someone who didn't even know what it was made for. Some friends online had the answer, though.
This object is designed to store up to three types/colors of thread in a single container. You simply wound each piece of thread in a different compartment and close it. This on-the-go thread storage can be a great addition to a clothing repair kit.
Stop in the Name of the Pipe
You think your house is pretty standard until you want to move. Apartment hunting will introduce you to some of the most messed up (at worst) and weird (at best) things in real estate, just like this peculiar pipe.
After telling other Reddit users the place was built in the 70s, this person learned that the pipe operated as some form of a doorstop that kept burglars from opening it from outside.
Peculiar Pot
If we had to guess, we'd say that this object is some sort of vintage cooking pot. But somehow, it looks like it was made during a time when camping wasn't as developed or popular as it is today.
The poster had asked the family and got no answers, but the internet was plenty helpful. It turns out that this was a lantern fueled by calcium carbide and water. Fascinating for chemistry lovers!
These Are Not Straws
The world is shifting toward the use of reusable straws, but anyone looking at this item might think this trend started decades ago. Surprisingly, though, these aren't straws at all.
According to Reddit users, these tiny metal tubes are used by tailors to turn small tubes of fabric (like hemlines or tight sleeves) from the inside out. Your grandmother might be able to tell you more.
Not Creepy at All
Really? You walk into a probably haunted room with crumbling walls and shaky ceiling tiles and still feel like it's a good idea to stay and take a picture of what might have been a sacrificial altar?
Thankfully, people had a less ominous explanation. The square block turned out to be an old sand table. You know, the kind used by military people with large maps and soldier figurines to move around them.
Light up the Internet
Most of the items on this list can't be recognized by most people because they are so old. This one, however, made it in because it's too new to be familiar.
If you've never seen one of those, you sure are about to soon, as this antenna turned out to be a 5G spot. Once fully deployed, it will allow for better internet and cell services.
Stationery Savvy
If you are as obsessed with office supply as we are, you might think you've seen it all. But then you look at this picture, and you realize there is always something new to discover in the stationery realm.
This little neon nub on the top was a little waxy, which Reddit users used to deduce it is dried-up highlighter. We hope that the highlighter at least got to do some highlighting before drying up completely.
A Lab Must
You don't have to be a science enthusiast to see that this gadget is a microscope. It has all those lenses and dials. However, to know the kind of microscope, you'd have to ask around.
The round glass piece you see at the bottom is a projector. That way, anything inspected under the microscope can be projected on a wall for others to see.
Tree-Henge
Looking at this picture made us immediately think of the Stonehenge stone circle. Except this one is a lot smaller, has fewer items, and is made of woodblocks. So basically, we guess the two are nothing alike.
The internet had a much better guess. Apparently, these wooden posts used to hold a trash can that happened to had been removed.
How Did It End Up in the Bed?
Thank god the original poster mentioned this was made of brassy metal because, at first glance, it looked like a new type of pretzel snack, and we were getting hungry.
It turns out that the object fell from someone's shoe and that it used to sit at the end of their shoelaces. Shoemakers actually have a name for these items. They're called aglets, and they keep your laces from unraveling.
Is the FBI Involved?
Well, this is slightly alarming. To find a GPS unit installed in a car that doesn't normally have one makes you think. Is this person being followed? Are they targeted by anyone? The internet has the answers.
After asking around and running some basic Google searches, it became increasingly clearer that the GPS unit was put there by a previous owner. Phew.
Better Butter
Our first thought was that this is some sort of an old-fashion smoothie maker. You know, the kind people used to make their smoothies in the days of yore. That must be a thing, right?
Well, no. This device isn't meant to mash any fruit. Instead, it's meant to help you churn butter! Just turn the churner handle and start churning.
Found a Ferrari on the Street
Okay, so we have the Ferrari logo here, which is a good start. Now, as to what this thing is used for? Yeah, we got nothing. Maybe Reddit users have a better guess.
Surprisingly, it turns out this tool has nothing to do with cars! Instead, this kind of Ferrari tool is a cabinet hinge. Owning a Ferrari has never been easier.
Trash Talk
Anime lovers will look at this picture and immediately think of the seven Dragon Balls from "Dragon Ball Z." But this is real life, and there are more than seven anyway.
After doing some digging, it turned out that these little spheres are meant to go in the trash. But in the best way possible! These are scented capsules that neutralize the smell coming out of a smelly trash can.
Extreme Carpeting
Nowadays, wall-to-wall carpeting is something you only see in offices and old homes. But a carpeted piece of wood with a handle on it? That's something you just don't see.
Luckily, people online knew what it was. Apparently, this is a tool used by the professional who laid down the carpet. Combined with a power stretcher, this item helps the installer stretch the carpet properly.
Phoning It In
From people traveling with their cockatoo on one shoulder to grown people wearing furry onesies on a weekday, the train has seen it all. Why not a person with a million phones on a tray?
According to Reddit users, this person was, in fact, testing the phones' signal as part of a QA process. Oh well, we'll probably find a real weirdo on our next train ride anyway.
But Is It Good for Poker?
Okay, so we don't need the internet to tell us that this is a card with a picture of an Algerian merchant on it. The card literally says so. What we do need the internet to tell us is what the point of it is.
As it happens, this is a part of a complete pack that doubles as both a regular deck and an educational tool that teaches kids about people from different and interesting places around the world.
Traffic Science
Let us start by stating the obvious: we know what traffic lights are. And we know that you know too. The question here is what those vertical lines inside the light are good for.
As fellow Redditors quickly explained, these lines are normally used on traffic lights in busy intersections. They're called 'fins,' and they make sure the light is only visible to drivers on specific lanes, so there's no confusion or unfortunate accidents.
Flashy UFOs
That's it. That's the proof we needed. Aliens do exist, and they finally came to visit. Roswell had it right all along.
Sadly, though, Reddit users have a much simpler explanation. The picture was taken near a military base, and this flare is just a part of whatever tests or drills are happening there. Maybe the aliens need more time to do their makeup.
Snug as a Bug
Sungging with a cozy blanket is a pleasure shared by all humans. That's why snuggies are so popular. But imagine getting snuggly with a new blanket and finding weird metal snaps on its ends. What are they there for?
Well, according to some social media users, this is an older version of a Snuggie, and the snaps are there to help you wrap it around yourself for a maximum snug experience.
I Saw the Sign
Let's see. The black part on this sign is obviously meant to represent a person. The negative white space in the middle is meant to represent a... heart explosion, maybe?
It becomes even more alarming when you learn that this was found at a preschool. But the online community was reassuring and explained that this sign is mostly used around cleaning supply as a general health warning.
Into the Woods
The woods is a mysterious place. Naturally, that's where all the best fairytales happen. But we don't remember Hansel and Gretel running into a metallic woodland igloo.
The internet solved this mystery and explained that this is called a hopper. When using a crane, hoppers are is used to handle mixed concrete. Now, will the internet please tell us how it got there?
Made Their Mark
Most transactions these days involve one of three major forms of money — paper, coins, or plastic credit cards. But fabric? That's new. Or, in fact, as seen in this picture, really old.
The notes you're looking at are decades-old German money. Issued by a real German bank in the 1920s, these pieces of linen were originally worth 25 Marks each.
Colors of the Wind
These colorful little items look like miniature potpourri pops. And according to the poster, they smell like that too! But it turns out they have a real purpose other than smelling nice.
After explaining that these pouches were found at a Native American memorial on a parked truck, it became clear that these are traditional prayer ties. Native Americans assigned each color a designated prayer.
A Pressing Matter
The person who posted this picture moved to a new place and found this contraption by the new apartment. Not knowing who to ask about this thing or what it's for, they turned to social media.
Sure enough, they found their answer. This cast-iron device is, in fact, a sausage press. Sadly, it hasn't been in use for way too long and is out of commission, so no homemade sausages for now.
Turn on the Heater
The poster of this image found this intriguing item in their new apartment. It looks like a fancy metal ottoman but obviously not a very functional one.
After looking for help from the internet, it turned out to be an antique Middle Eastern portable heater named mangal. An inside compartment held the charcoal while containing the fire, keeping the room cozy and warm.
Hello Hikers!
While hiking on a hillside, this person found what appears to be the very top of a doomsday bunker protruding from the ground. But obviously, they had to ask online before jumping to any conclusions.
After specifying that there were several of these around, all about 10 feet long and with an open end, the folks on Reddit came up with the answer: it's an avalanche breaker. Nothing doomsday-related, thankfully.
Protective Pod
No, this is not a public bathroom stall made out of concrete. That would be super impractical and probably really hard to clean. Found in the middle of the forest, this peculiar structure found its way online for people to explain.
Known in German as a Splitterschutzzelle, this is a type of pillbox designed to protect one person, though it looks like it hasn't been used in ages.
Beautifully Bridal
What appears to be a strange piece of silverware actually has very romantic roots that date back to the 1800s!
With the help of intrigued internet users, the object was found to be a bridal basket. Back in the day, brides would proudly display their beautiful bouquets on these silver trays during their wedding receptions.
Straight Up
Nope, these aren't wacky wizard hats! They're actually ceramic vertical chicken roasters.
You use them to prop up your poultry while roasting. That way any excess oil runs down the chicken and can be collected in a baking tray below.
A Few Screws Loose
Losing your marbles is one thing, but losing your screws is another! Observant internet users were able to identify the wooden object as a screw assortment bin.
The numbers indicate the size of the screw to be placed in each slot. That way the screws stay organized and accounted for.
Snowy Suspicion
If we stumbled upon these peculiar pods in the middle of nowhere we would also want to know what on earth we were looking at.
Luckily for us, the internet came to the rescue and detected that these devices are used to activate controlled avalanches.
Shake It Up
This little ceramic object is none other than a salt shaker! While it may not look like the salt dispenser on your dining room table, it will definitely keep your food well seasoned.
A Reddit user explained that you put salt in the bottom of the shaker and it will then funnel out slowly through the 3 holes at the top. That way you won't run the risk of over-salting your food.
Sticky Situation
Some fungus-friendly internet users discovered that this scary-looking substance was slime mold.
Slime mold is apparently a pretty common non-toxic fungus. Since it feeds on dead leaves and branches, there's no need to panic if you see some slime in your own backyard. It's just part of the decomposition cycle.
Minute Measurements
This metal blade is a machinist scale. You'll only use this very accurate ruler if you need to make extremely precise measurements.
As Reddit users pointed out, unless you're an architect or an engineer, you can stick with your everyday ruler.
Cellulite Be Gone!
It's a universal truth that humans have cellulite, no matter your shape or size! This doesn't stop the beauty industry from selling people products that supposedly 'fix' your cellulite woes.
According to internet users, this silicon cellulite cup is no exception. Using a vacuum suction power on your skin, this little cup is supposed to help reduce cellulite.
Eagled-Eyed
This spot-on discovery is beyond impressive. Some eagle-eyed internet users figured out that this two-headed eagle ornament was once a part of an intricate candle holder.
The users who made the discovery also pointed out that the ornament represents a famous symbol from the Byzantine empire!
Ghost Busted!
This ghostly gadget looks like something straight out of a low-budget Hollywood ghoul-busting film.
Well, as people on the internet figured out, this is in fact a ghost-hunting tool. So for any paranormal patrollers out there, this might be a good purchase for you.
Couldn't Clock It
This strange contraption is the precursor for the way employees electronically clock in and out of work.
It's called a mechanical watch clock. Patrol guards would use the device to punch in a piece of paper as proof that they had made the proper rounds. People online figured this out, and good thing they did because we wouldn't have clocked this object without them.
Legs for Days
While this may look like a lost leg of a wooden doll, a Reddit user pointed out that it's actually a contraption you use with a rat tile file.
Since rat tail files are usually used for intricate and delicate crafting, this nifty leg-like gadget comes in handy! It keeps the rat file stable and parallel to whatever it is you're working on.
Duh-nut!
Once you hear what this pan is used for, it seems almost too obvious to miss. According to Reddit, these strange pans are doughnut skillets.
All you need to do is pour your doughnut batter in and around the raised skillet surface. Before you know it you'll have a delicious doughnut to snack on right out the pan. We're sure the internet user was happy to discover this yummy use!
Pineapple of Your Eye
Don't freak out! We know these 'scissors' look like a prop straight out of a horror movie. Instead, they have a very sweet purpose!
Do you love biting into a juicy slice of pineapple but couldn't be bothered with dodging those pesky pineapple eyes? Then these pineapple eye scissors are for you. A few snips from this contraption and all the eyes are gone. The pineapple eyes we mean! Again this isn't a horror movie.
Heat Headscratch
We can understand why the person who stumbled upon this object was thoroughly confused. We were confused too! Luckily the internet came to the rescue and helped to determine that this alien-looking object is a basic heat conductor.
Another telltale sign is that the object is made of silver and copper, which are both great conductors of heat.
Open Up!
Tin cans are great at keeping goods preserved for long periods of time. The problem is trying to open them! To try and avoid the need to use bulky can openers, some cans come with a built-in tab.
Unfortunately, it's not always that simple. That's where this little guy comes in. An online user pointed out that it's a pop-top can opener. It's tailor-made to hook underneath the tab and do all the hard pulling for you. Now that's a can-do attitude!
Still Holding a Candle for Someone
Somehow people online were able to detect that this tiny gizmo was once part of a candlestick grip ring.
To avoid getting burned by hot wax, candlestick holders separated a person's hand from the flame. The ring would have been attached to the side of the holder for an easy grip. We hope the person who found this object lit up when reading the online comments.
It's Getting Hot in Here
This beautifully painted prism is more than just a decoration. It can impact the temperature of the room!
It's a prism-hanging humidifier. Reddit users explained that you fill the container with water and hang it off a radiator. The heat from the radiator mixed with the water in the prism makes for a stream of steam.
Tiny and Terrifying
These tiny terrors will ensure you keep your shoes on at all times. They're known as goathead burrs, and unlike goats, they are not cute and fluffy!
Luckily, the internet helped figure this one out. Now the person who hopefully didn't actually stumble on these pointy pain causers will know to avoid stepping on them at all costs.
Smokeshow
It can be a bit of a drag to carry around cigarettes and matches without dropping or losing a few. That's where this rather interesting double-cupped contraption comes in.
Reddit users explained that this smoke set would have been used to hold cigarettes in one cup and matches in the other. Another nifty feature is that you'd be able to strike the matches on the side of the set.
Hang in There!
What is worse than a damp and dirty toothbrush? Eww, nothing! That's why most of us use toothbrush holders to keep our teeth cleaners out of dirt's way.
It took a while to figure this one out. Eventually, some clean teeth enthusiasts online discovered that it's a toothbrush hanger. Think of it as an elevated version of your everyday toothbrush holder.
Silver Spoon
Reddit users helped crack this mystery. It's a caddy spoon! Back when tea leaves were all the rage, this beautiful piece of silverware would have been used to measure and scoop tea leaves into teapots.
We think tea leaves should make a comeback. This caddy spoon is just so much more elegant than a teabag!
Scent and Sensibilities
This bottle looks like it belongs in a potions classroom in the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Unfortunately for us muggles, this is not a magical potion bottle.
Instead, the internet figured out that this is a delicate and ornate perfume bottle. We hope it smells as beautiful as it looks.
Loophole
These little loops are not meant for function, not fashion. We can understand this sweater wearer's confusion upon finding the loop on their sleeve.
Luckily, with the help of Redditors, the loop's purpose was pointed out. It's there to make sure that you can hold onto the jacket while you take off any outer layer you may be wearing. This comes in handy, particularly in colder climates!
Coined It!
If you thought that these gold coins were straight out of a fantasy tale, you wouldn't be completely wrong! An internet user stumbled upon this find and was able to identify the coins as replicas of coins used in "Battlestar Galactica."
According to the sci-fi fan, characters in the show would use the coins to play a form of interstellar poker.
Grub in a Globe
Somehow the great people of the world wide web were able to identify this glorious metal globe as a chafing dish.
Chafing dishes are used to keep food warm when being served in a buffet setting. In our opinion, this beautiful object deserves more than just to be a serving dish. It's serving looks too!
Iced Out
Reddit users were quick to label this object as needle ice.
It may look like a beautiful crystal cluster, but in fact, it's a product of water traveling out of warm soil into freezing air. While enchanting to look at, it can cause real havoc for plants trying to grow in the area.
Music Box
Believe it or not, this wooden box is a musical instrument! With the help of internet users, it was identified as a Shruti Box.
The instrument pumps organ-like sounds. We hope that some beautiful melodies followed upon finding out what the box could be used for.
No Way Doorway
At first glance, this floating doorway might seem like either a very ambitious prank or a very unnecessary design choice.
Reddit users pointed out that the doorway is used by farmers who need to move tall equipment in and out of their farm sheds.
Hold Onto Your Smokes!
This beautiful blue ornament understandably caused a few people to scratch their heads. With its narrow opening and short height, it's not immediately clear what one would use it for.
Thanks again to the internet, we now know that it's an ornate cigarette holder!
Wine-ing It
This thing looks like the handle of some fancy chef knife. Seeing as it was found in this Reddit user's kitchen drawer, our guess stands to reason. Other people online, however, know better (don't they always?)
Another Reddit user was able to identify this object as a wine stopper. And not only that, but they also knew the name of the brand and that it comes in a set complete with a wine pourer. After fishing around the kitchen a little more, the original poster found that additional piece too!
Candle in the Wind
This thing has battery space, some lights, and a twisting knob. It was found deep in a church storage room, so naturally, our minds would go straight to Haunted City, thinking it must contain a tortured soul of sorts. The internet was able to put our minds at ease, though.
Social media had answers explaining that this is a prayer candle of the electric kind. When praying for someone, a churchgoer would put money in the slot, which would turn the candle on.
River Findings
This little gizmo was found in the depths of a Manchester river. And no, we have no idea what that person was doing digging around rivers in Manchester. After telling the people of Reddit that the object has a lightbulb and a twisting, clicking knob, this person got an answer.
Apparently, it's a bike light. The reason why it's built that way is to deflect the light from blinding other drivers on the road. The deflectors help direct the light to the road below the bicycle.