15 Peculiar Things That Needed a Team of Internet Experts to Figure Out

Some people enjoy exploring antiquated shops, while others strike fortunate by discovering unique items in their cellars. And at times, both encounter peculiar things the purposes of which elude them initially. It’s a good thing that there are so many proficient specialists online who are enthusiastic about helping them with deciphering these enigmas.

1. “What are these tiny things? We found a bag of 10.”

Answer: “They are for an ear thermometer. For hygienic reasons.”

2. “Was gifted this ceramic bowl with four holes and a spout as a wedding gift.”

Answer: “It’s an herb stripper. You pull fresh herb sprigs from the inside of the bowl, through holes to the outside, and the leaves drop into the bowl.”

3. “Why does this newer public toilet have these ’fangs’?”

Answer: “They’re called bedpan lugs. This would be made for a hospital to hold a collection hat. Why it’s in a public bathroom may just be a mistake.”

4. “What are these little knit tubes?”

Answer: “Not sure if that was the original idea for them, but they can be used to keep chairs from scratching your floors. So they are socks, but for chairs rather than humans.”

5. “I have this strange artifact. It has one hole in the center and a smaller hole beneath that.”

Answer: “It’s an oil lamp. The big hole on the top is where the oil goes and the small hole at the end holds the wick.”

6. “This thing is mounted on a wall at my work. At the bottom where the speaker is, there are a few buttons.”

Answer: “Looks like a Simon game. You start it, then you push the buttons following the sequence. As you progress you have to remember longer and longer sequences.”

7. “Cleaning out a house and came across this. The little cup at the top swings back and forth. Says it’s from Japan.”

Answer: “It’s a bridal cup. Bridal cups are a Nuerenberg, Germany tradition that dates back to the 1400’s. It represents the start of a life long union between man and woman and is a symbol of faithfulness and good luck.”

8. “Metal spring with plastic ends, 20cm long, no writings or markings.”

Answer: “Hair remover used for the little hairs on one’s face.”

9. “Old curved carrying case with wooden insert with 15 holes. Blue cover flap with painted Liberty or Death design. 10” long 3″ tall. Feels like a rough canvas material."

Answer: “Reenactor’s cartridge case.”

10. “Anyone knows what species it is? It looks like an egg with a man’s butt.”

Answer: “Looks like a volvariella bombycina.”

11. “Small metal clasping items found in an old nightstand.”

Answer: “Possibly skirt lifts if one arm is bent.”

12. “4-meter high funnel with 3 outlets near a playground and a garden in Germany.”

Answer: “Toss a ball in it and guess which hole it comes out. That’s what kids did for fun in the ’80s.”

13. “Thing found in the woods in Berlin, Germany. Green rubber, no moving parts, on a neck strap.”

Answer: “Possibly a chewing stim toy. For someone with autism or a raver.”

14. “My coworker saw this toilet in the women’s restroom at the Huntsville Space Center. Why is it shaped this way?”

Answer: “Prevents the hover maneuver on normal sit-down toilets, which tends to lead to pee everywhere.”

15. "Clearing out things today and found this. Not sure what it is, wondering if anyone can help me out.

Answer: “Looks like a decanter bottle stopper.”

Do you like curious items? Here are some more interesting and unusual things that will blow your mind.