20+ Mysterious Items That Had Us Scratching Our Heads in Confusion

People have come up with numerous devices that simplify daily life. Keeping up with all these inventions is simply impossible, which is why sometimes we come across things whose functions we can’t figure out. It’s fortunate that there are experts online who are ready to help.

“2.5 inches with a ring-sized hole, gold-colored metal, is this jewelry?”

Answer: Looks like a touchscreen stylus for some reason mounted on a ring.

“I work in recycling, and have found multiple objects like this. It is made of some kind of silicone, it has a magnet in it. What is this thing?”

Answer: Magnetic bottle holder strap.

“What are these metal things on the corners of these stairs and their purpose?”

Answer: These are corner dust guards. They make it easier to sweep dust out of the corners.

“What’s happening here?”

Answer: “Evaluation trial trenching” is done to make sure there are no important archaeological artefacts that might be destroyed by excavation.

“Plastic-like, circular object made of ‘cells.’ It can be found on several beaches, in Sardinia (Italy).”

Answer: This is biofilm used to treat waste water.

“This fancy hotel has a shallow tub with 2 sides.”

Answer: You’re supposed to keep your feet in the warm water first and then quickly put them in the cold water (repeat a few times). This is supposed to help with circulation. These tubs are usually used in spas and other wellness or health-related facilities.

“This pumpkin thing opens on a hinge, there is a latch inside with a small glass jar.”

Answer: It is a vinaigrette, a piece of jewelry containing smelling salts or perfume that women hung from a chatelaine chain in Victorian times.

“What is this tall piece of plastic with a metal base that collapses into it?”

Answer: This is a clarinet (or similar instrument) stand.

“I found this while cleaning out the attic. It’s wood, looks handmade, measures 8 inches, 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 2 very distinct universes that are opposite.

“A small metal object that fits in the palm of my hand. The gold-colored part slides up and down but can be locked in place with the adjuster screw.”

Answer: It looks like this fountain pen holder for an embosser.

“It’s rubber or silicone, the size of a fingertip; it doesn’t erase; it’s about as hard as a bouncy ball but doesn’t bounce like a bouncy ball. Doesn’t light up. What is it?”

Answer: It’s “an 80’s light bulb eraser without the metal bottom editing to add they never really erased anything”

“What is this thing? A small gold pig container with a removable tiny spoon for a tail”

Answer: It’s a salt cellar.

“Why does this Stop sign look different?”

Answer: These are blinders, typically used so the sign can be read from a narrow angle. They’re also called directional shields. You’ll see them on traffic lights a lot more often.

“I now own these neon rainbow acrylic mystery sticks. Anyone know what I bought?”

Answer: These are multi-color acrylic Mahjong pushers.

“This thing is in the middle of the wall in my 1906 house.”

Answer: It’s a capped off gas line from when they used gas lighting.

“I found this weird thing in a junk drawer.”

Answer: The classic Sunbeam Mixmaster had a juicer attachment which looked like a bowl attached to the top of the mixer. This is the spout from which the juice pours out. The wire part had a small sieve to filter the pulp.

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

Answer: This thing is for stirring drinks.

“White plastic object with squares and rectangles; it’s light and has nothing written on it.”

Answer: It’s a battery holder for the original battery in the Mercedes Benz W168. Source: I had that car (also English user manual page: 295)

“Small metal bowl with 4 legs and threaded lip”

Answer: “Radiator cap for Ford Model T 1909 to 1927.”

“What is this object I found on a beach in Yorkshire that has holes in and feels like a mix between stone and plastic.”

Answer: Old toothbrush.

“Was gifted this ceramic bowl with four holes and a spout as a wedding gift. What is it for?”

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. The spout is so you can make an herb vinaigrette or sauce in the bowl and pour it onto whatever you like.

Bonus: “I saw this weird cloud while running.”

Did you exercise your brain while deciphering the functions of these items? If you enjoy such puzzles, be sure to take a look here.