18 Puzzling Objects That Created Huge Question Marks Even for Their Owners

We are living in a world that was created billions of years ago, which means that we only know very little about the past. This past includes items that people used to make centuries ago and still exist today. But how can we know what these old things are? That’s why people share their discoveries with other users to help themselves get educated.

Now I’ve Seen Everything has collected some truly mysterious objects that you will probably have no idea even existed.

1. “What kind of pan is this and what is it used for?”

Answer: Fat-draining frying pan.

2. “I’ve had this around for a while, it’s very lightweight and wooden but very smooth... What is this thing?”

Answer: It is a hairpin. Similar to this.

3. “What is this keyhole in the wall next to an outer door?”

Answer 1: It’s probably for the fire department. We have a keyhole just like it next to our parking lot gate. This way, they can open it in case of an emergency.

Answer 2: It’s a Knox Box.

4. “This was found with some old tools. Doesn’t seem to attach to anything. It can lock in place, and the middle bit turns round, unraveling 2 straps of fabric. I’m stumped!”

Answer: It’s for carrying books.

5. “A solid metal Egyptian-looking scarab — my grandma believes she got it somewhere in Europe a long time ago. It has hieroglyphs on the underside and is fairly heavy for its size.”

Answer: I have one of these from Egypt. Definitely a paperweight tourist trinket.

6. “Found in my basement. Has a suction cup with it that appears to be a stand for it. One is open and one is closed.”

Answer: It’s a grip for changing light bulbs that are out of reach.

7. “This appears to be a green plastic scissor handle with metal loops and plastic teeth. Doesn’t have identifying marks.”

Answer: My guess would be some sort of herb stripper. Sprigs go in the loops, the teeth are closed, and stalks are then pulled out.

8. “A strange object from Tiffany’s was mysteriously given to my wife by her grandmother while refusing to say what it was.”

Answer: It’s for stirring drinks.

9. “An intricate iron contraption that opens on one side.”

Answer: It’s a cast-iron buggy/whip holder.

10. “What is this hook thing in the kitchen cabinet?”

Answer: It’s a cup rack.

11. “Found this old mechanical device in a dumpster. It’s extremely heavy. Is it a cash register? A mechanical calculator?”

Answer: It is indeed a mechanical calculator, an Odhner 1950/60’s model.

12. “I found this in the garage — a tube with notches made of brass and the rest of the cover on top. It’s a copper rod with a wooden handle.”

Answer: It’s a hair curler. Check this link. I know hot combs and iron curlers exist but those are different products. These are akin to rollers you leave in overnight, like a cartoon image of an old 1950s lady with a nightgown and overnight rollers in her hair.

13. “Bought this two-tiered wooden rack from a thrift store thinking it was to store shoes. Wasn’t until I got it home that I realized it’s ridiculously small for adult shoes.”

Answer: The spacing of the “shelves” makes me think it’s for VHS. But yeah, it’s a media rack.

14. “This thing is above my hospital bed, and none of the nurses know what it’s for.”

Answer: It’s a battery-powered emergency light. The red light shows it has power and the battery is charging. When the power fails, that light comes on automatically to light your escape.

15. “This solid metal ’kiss’ was in our bag of candy kisses. Is it part of the machinery?”

Answer: Definitely not a part of the machine. Since it’s the same size and shape, I would say it’s a QA “gauge” to help operators verify the shape and portion size at a glance.

16. “Someone was gifted this for a new baby with no note about what it is.”

Answer: It’s a door silencer. It wraps around and covers the latch on a door so that it doesn’t latch, and the rubber also makes the door open and close silently. The straps go around the doorknob on each side.

17. “It’s some sort of promotional item. What is it used for?”

Answer 1: I’m not sure of the scale, but it looks like an acupressure ring that’s meant to help improve circulation in your fingers.

Answer 2: Yes, according to my Korean wife, it’s a hand massage/strengthening kit.

18. “Found this hard plastic item in a kitchen drawer. Pictured next to a keychain for scale.”

Answer: It’s a wine stopper. It’s made by Rabbit and has a pourer as part of a set.

Do you happen to own any strange objects whose purpose you had no idea about and had to ask other people before finding out what they are used for?