15 Objects That Had People Stumped But the Internet Came to the Rescue

The world is full of mysteries and, to some folks’ surprise, some come in the shape of an unrecognizable item. Whether they purchased, inherited or simply came across one, when the desire to find out what its used for becomes too much, they turn to the internet. Luckily, Reddit has a special community of people always on stand-by to answer the toughest questions about utterly puzzling things.

“Silicon cup thing? My parents were randomly mailed this from an unknown address. Material is malleable.”

Answer: “It’s an anticellulite device. Here you can see a similar one.”

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

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

“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.

“What is this object at a restaurant construction site with a handle on top?”

Answer: “Airflow meter for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to help balance the system”

“I found this when cleaning my parents basement. It’s made out of wood and the paint is heavily chipped.”

Answer: It’s a phone stand. The vertical cavity is for your city phone book or books. The top is a handle for moving it about.

“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 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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“Found in an old cabinet, made entirely of glass with narrowing holes all the way through”

Answer: “It’s a flower frog used to hold flower arrangements in a vase. It’s been made obsolete by foam and gel.”

“What is this toilet’s purpose?”

Answer: This is a 1950’s Standard “Sanistand” urinal for women.

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

Answer: This is biofilm used to treat waste water.

“What is this thing stuck to my car? It seems to be magnetic.”

Answer: It looks similar to the ones out of magnetic cabinet door latches. There are some stories about being able to open locks with strong magnets. Maybe a couple of kids broke down their mom’s kitchen cabinet and tried to steal your car.

When was the last time something left you completely baffled? Leave your own strange objects in the comments!