20 Curious Finds That Will Make You Want to Search for Answers

There are a lot of mysterious things in the world. An object that may have been popular in the past, could be considered strange today. Or something that is common for some people, may seem bizarre for others. Thankfully, we have the internet to help us out whenever we come across these curious finds.

Now I’ve Seen Everything picked out 20 items that baffled the people who found them, and will make you want to look for answers too.

1. “What is this extra layer of fabric in my kid’s shirt? The extra layer is sown only on the front side, and it has these two holes in it.”

Answer: A lot of clothing companies are starting to make clothing that is accessible for people with disabilities. My guess is, this panel is for access to feeding tubes, bags, drains, etc.

2. “Found this in my dad’s room, really hoping it’s not something inappropriate.”

Answer: It goes over shoes to give them grip when walking on ice. It is called a Yakstrax.

3. “This is a clock in an assisted living facility. What’s with the colors and directions?”

Answer: Definitely to avoid bedsores. Wife’s a nurse, she would probably think 2 hours is the maximum time for each position before having issues. The clock is to simply create a pattern that is getting alternated every 2 hours.

4. “Saw this at a brewery. Some sort of game, maybe?”

Answer: Pachinko machine, a gambling game in Japan. It is something in between a slot machine and a vertical pinball machine.

5. “What are these circular metal things on these stairs? I just hit my knee and wow did it hurt!”

Answer: It’s just a skateboard prevention device. Keeps them from grinding on the edges.

6. “What is this random structure I found in the middle of the forest?”

Answer: It’s a World War II one-man bomb shelter.

7. “Saw these at a local thrift store. White porcelain with decorative gold paint line. The middle dips down, and there are handles on both ends. I saw two sizes.”

Answer: It’s a silverware holder.

8. “I always see these ’buildings’ in fields. They never have walls.”

Answer: If you live in Canada, these are structures built for barn swallows to nest. They were originally made to replace bridge nesting sites during construction.

9. “Some guy was carrying this on the subway. No clue what this could be.”

Answer: This is a violin case.

10. “Found this while beach combing on the Olympic Peninsula. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Answer: It’s squid eggs.

11. “Noticed this weird urinal in a brauhaus bathroom in Cologne, Germany.”

Answer: It’s for vomiting.

12. “What is the purpose of this chain?”

Answer: It is a rain chain, an alternative for the traditional downspout of a gutter system.

13. “It’s a metal tube with a screw-on cap that I found at a thrift store. It feels like steel, has no words or numbers engraved on it, and has a small hole through the tip of the cap. Any ideas?”

Answer: An antique needle case.

14. “Found this while cleaning out the attic. It’s wood, looks handmade, measures 20 cm, but I have no idea what it is or what it does!”

Answer: It’s a Yacouba Double Spoon — a symbol of hospitality in traditional African art. It represents two very distinct universes that are opposite.

15. “Found this amongst some miscellaneous tools, any ideas?”

Answer: It’s a pair of nips for cutting sugar, for back in the old days when sugar came in large cones.

16. “What is this thing that you always see on an escalator?”

Answer: Many people think these are brushes for shoes. But in fact, they help keep shoes, dresses, handbags, etc. from getting snagged in the tiny gap at the side.

17. “There’s this strange looking lock behind the driver side door. It looks kind of like one you would see on a vending machine. 1998 Ford Ranger, anybody know what this is for?”

Answer: ATT and other fleets use these to store the keys for the truck. They’re all keyed alike (or in groups). Employees get a key for that, then they can unlock it and it’s a cup that holds the truck keys.

18. “Found this small kettle years ago. Tried searching for a similar one, but have always come up with nothing. Anybody have an idea why it has this unique shape? Wallet for scale.”

Answer: It’s a portable men’s urinal for bedbound patients.

19. “One of the dogs that comes to daycare always has this on her collar. No identifying information or logos. What is this thing?”

Answer: That’s the “key” to a doggy door. When a dog comes to the door, it opens, when it goes away, the door closes.

20. “Circular object found in snow. It was making a loud, chirping noise. It looked as if it had an LED on one side, and a hole on the other side.”

Answer: It’s personal safety alarm. Working in law enforcement, I know that item could very well be evidence to a missing person. Please attempt to contact police.

Did you know about the true purpose of the objects in the photos? Do you have things at home you would like to find out more about?