29 Odd Items With Simple Explanations

Nathan Johnson Published 02/20/2023 in ftw

The word can be a mysterious place at times, and often full of all kinds of usual items and artifacts. Sometimes a simple google search can help you find the answers to the questions you have, but for other items, you may need the assistance of someone who's familiar with the object.

Check out this list of odd, bizarre, and unusual items people turned to the internet to find out "just what the heck is this?"

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1.
“Mysterious yellow plastic disks mounted on a metal stand, seen near a baseball field.” Answer: "Shoulder rotator"
2.
“Brass, 4” (long side) 3″ (short side), has a hinge that opens at a 90° angle. The inside of the smaller side has ribs along the inside." Answer: “It’s an old bubble-blowing wand, pre-1800s.”
3.
“I can’t remember what this was for if I ever even knew. What is this thing?” Answer: “They’re tongs for lifting hot jars, so you don’t burn your fingers.”
4.
“Metal spring with plastic ends, 20cm long, no writing or markings” Answer: “It’s a hair remover used for little hairs on one’s face.”
5.
"What could this be?" Answer: “It’s a tool to take the top off of a boiled egg.”
6.
“Help me identify this thing.” Answer: “It looks like a rotating tie holder that gets mounted to a wall.”
7.
“Bought a new shirt. This small packet was attached with the tags. What are these for?” Answer: “Collar stiffeners. You can insert them in your collar to keep it stiff.”
8.
“Found this under my passenger seat. It has magnets on the back. Is this a GPS tracker someone put in my car?” Answer: “It is a GPS tracker, but not a very discrete one.”
9.
“What is this foldy metal thing attached to the side of my back porch?” Answer: “It’s a can crusher.”
10.
“It has a suction cup with it that appears to be a stand for it. One is open and one is closed as in the photo.” Answer: “It’s a grip for changing light bulbs that are out of reach.”
11.
“Found this in my office and can’t figure out what it’s for. It’s metal and only like a millimeter thick.” Answer: “It’s a key for those paper towel dispensers in the bathrooms.”
12.
“What is this thing? It’s not scissors and it closes with a snap.” Answer: “It’s a pair of authentic antique Victorian candle snuffer wick trimming scissors.”
13.
“Carved wood with wooden rings around it. The rings don’t come off. Found it in a park.” Answer: “It’s a Mexican hot-chocolate stirrer/whisk. Known as a molinillo.”
14.
"Does anyone know what this could be?" Answer: “It’s the opening to a Victorian-style purse.”
15.
“Silicon cup thing? My parents were randomly mailed this from an unknown address. Material is malleable.” Answer: “It’s an anticellulite device.”
16.
“Small gold pig container with a removable tiny spoon for a tail” Answer: "Salt cellar. Here’s one missing the top."
17.
“Metal hatch in the foundation of my house?” Answer: "It looks like an ash-catch."
18.
“These 2 burgundy metal springs I found in my house’s garage. They are about 3 inches long and pretty solid.” Answer: "They look like car door hinge springs probably from a Chevy."
19.
“Looks to be a very small concrete bench or seat facing away from the road near a curb.” Answer: "They could be old carriage steps, used to help people get into and out of horse-drawn carriages."
20.
“Weirdly ’heart-shaped’ metal object I found in my car” Answer: "End of a belt"
21.
“Unknown kitchen gadget with plastic handle and steel ends” Answer: "Looks like a grapefruit knife."
22.
“This item is metal and weighs roughly 10 pounds. Inside the ports are USB-C.” Answer: "Definitely a data logger for water quality. The red part is the sensor. I’d guess the main part of it is packed with batteries."
23.
“Camera-looking thing hanging from the ceiling above stairs at an airport” Answer: "It’s a “Paging Horn Speaker” made by TOA Electronics, Inc."
24.
“The perforated plate appears to be ceramic and there is a white granular substance under the plate.” Answer: "It’s a desiccator."
25.
“It’s a clear, thin, glass penguin. It is 7½ inches tall.” Answer: "According to Worth Point, it is a vintage candy/nut dispenser that has 2 companion pieces."
26.
“What is this specific hammer used for?” Answer: "It’s an auto body hammer. Typically, instead of swinging this hammer, you hold it in place and hit the flat face with another hammer."
27.
“What is this metal object with crown-like ends and some threading in the center?” Answer: "It’s a vajra, a ritual weapon that symbolizes the properties of a thunderbolt (irresistible force) and a diamond (indestructibility)."
28.
“Moon silverware, probably German late 19th early 20th century?” Answer: "It might be an ice cream serving set. Looks similar to this one here."
29.
“Gold sphere with legs and handle. The sphere splits in 2, each side with a lid.” Answer: "It’s a silver-plated cookie box."

1.
“Mysterious yellow plastic disks mounted on a metal stand, seen near a baseball field.” Answer: "Shoulder rotator"
2.
“Brass, 4” (long side) 3″ (short side), has a hinge that opens at a 90° angle. The inside of the smaller side has ribs along the inside." Answer: “It’s an old bubble-blowing wand, pre-1800s.”
3.
“I can’t remember what this was for if I ever even knew. What is this thing?” Answer: “They’re tongs for lifting hot jars, so you don’t burn your fingers.”
4.
“Metal spring with plastic ends, 20cm long, no writing or markings” Answer: “It’s a hair remover used for little hairs on one’s face.”
5.
"What could this be?" Answer: “It’s a tool to take the top off of a boiled egg.”
6.
“Help me identify this thing.” Answer: “It looks like a rotating tie holder that gets mounted to a wall.”
7.
“Bought a new shirt. This small packet was attached with the tags. What are these for?” Answer: “Collar stiffeners. You can insert them in your collar to keep it stiff.”
8.
“Found this under my passenger seat. It has magnets on the back. Is this a GPS tracker someone put in my car?” Answer: “It is a GPS tracker, but not a very discrete one.”
9.
“What is this foldy metal thing attached to the side of my back porch?” Answer: “It’s a can crusher.”
10.
“It has a suction cup with it that appears to be a stand for it. One is open and one is closed as in the photo.” Answer: “It’s a grip for changing light bulbs that are out of reach.”
11.
“Found this in my office and can’t figure out what it’s for. It’s metal and only like a millimeter thick.” Answer: “It’s a key for those paper towel dispensers in the bathrooms.”
12.
“What is this thing? It’s not scissors and it closes with a snap.” Answer: “It’s a pair of authentic antique Victorian candle snuffer wick trimming scissors.”
13.
“Carved wood with wooden rings around it. The rings don’t come off. Found it in a park.” Answer: “It’s a Mexican hot-chocolate stirrer/whisk. Known as a molinillo.”
14.
"Does anyone know what this could be?" Answer: “It’s the opening to a Victorian-style purse.”
15.
“Silicon cup thing? My parents were randomly mailed this from an unknown address. Material is malleable.” Answer: “It’s an anticellulite device.”
16.
“Small gold pig container with a removable tiny spoon for a tail” Answer: "Salt cellar. Here’s one missing the top."
17.
“Metal hatch in the foundation of my house?” Answer: "It looks like an ash-catch."
18.
“These 2 burgundy metal springs I found in my house’s garage. They are about 3 inches long and pretty solid.” Answer: "They look like car door hinge springs probably from a Chevy."
19.
“Looks to be a very small concrete bench or seat facing away from the road near a curb.” Answer: "They could be old carriage steps, used to help people get into and out of horse-drawn carriages."
20.
“Weirdly ’heart-shaped’ metal object I found in my car” Answer: "End of a belt"
21.
“Unknown kitchen gadget with plastic handle and steel ends” Answer: "Looks like a grapefruit knife."
22.
“This item is metal and weighs roughly 10 pounds. Inside the ports are USB-C.” Answer: "Definitely a data logger for water quality. The red part is the sensor. I’d guess the main part of it is packed with batteries."
23.
“Camera-looking thing hanging from the ceiling above stairs at an airport” Answer: "It’s a “Paging Horn Speaker” made by TOA Electronics, Inc."
24.
“The perforated plate appears to be ceramic and there is a white granular substance under the plate.” Answer: "It’s a desiccator."
25.
“It’s a clear, thin, glass penguin. It is 7½ inches tall.” Answer: "According to Worth Point, it is a vintage candy/nut dispenser that has 2 companion pieces."
26.
“What is this specific hammer used for?” Answer: "It’s an auto body hammer. Typically, instead of swinging this hammer, you hold it in place and hit the flat face with another hammer."
27.
“What is this metal object with crown-like ends and some threading in the center?” Answer: "It’s a vajra, a ritual weapon that symbolizes the properties of a thunderbolt (irresistible force) and a diamond (indestructibility)."
28.
“Moon silverware, probably German late 19th early 20th century?” Answer: "It might be an ice cream serving set. Looks similar to this one here."
29.
“Gold sphere with legs and handle. The sphere splits in 2, each side with a lid.” Answer: "It’s a silver-plated cookie box."

“Mysterious yellow plastic disks mounted on a metal stand, seen near a baseball field.”

Answer: "Shoulder rotator"

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29 Odd Items With Simple Explanations

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1. “Mysterious yellow plastic disks mounted on a metal stand, seen near a baseball field.” Answer: "Shoulder rotator"

2. “Brass, 4” (long side) 3″ (short side), has a hinge that opens at a 90° angle. The inside of the smaller side has ribs along the inside." Answer: “It’s an old bubble-blowing wand, pre-1800s.”

3. “I can’t remember what this was for if I ever even knew. What is this thing?” Answer: “They’re tongs for lifting hot jars, so you don’t burn your fingers.”

4. “Metal spring with plastic ends, 20cm long, no writing or markings” Answer: “It’s a hair remover used for little hairs on one’s face.”

5. "What could this be?" Answer: “It’s a tool to take the top off of a boiled egg.”

6. “Help me identify this thing.” Answer: “It looks like a rotating tie holder that gets mounted to a wall.”

7. “Bought a new shirt. This small packet was attached with the tags. What are these for?” Answer: “Collar stiffeners. You can insert them in your collar to keep it stiff.”

8. “Found this under my passenger seat. It has magnets on the back. Is this a GPS tracker someone put in my car?” Answer: “It is a GPS tracker, but not a very discrete one.”

9. “What is this foldy metal thing attached to the side of my back porch?” Answer: “It’s a can crusher.”

10. “It has a suction cup with it that appears to be a stand for it. One is open and one is closed as in the photo.” Answer: “It’s a grip for changing light bulbs that are out of reach.”

11. “Found this in my office and can’t figure out what it’s for. It’s metal and only like a millimeter thick.” Answer: “It’s a key for those paper towel dispensers in the bathrooms.”

12. “What is this thing? It’s not scissors and it closes with a snap.” Answer: “It’s a pair of authentic antique Victorian candle snuffer wick trimming scissors.”

13. “Carved wood with wooden rings around it. The rings don’t come off. Found it in a park.” Answer: “It’s a Mexican hot-chocolate stirrer/whisk. Known as a molinillo.”

14. "Does anyone know what this could be?" Answer: “It’s the opening to a Victorian-style purse.”

15. “Silicon cup thing? My parents were randomly mailed this from an unknown address. Material is malleable.” Answer: “It’s an anticellulite device.”

16. “Small gold pig container with a removable tiny spoon for a tail” Answer: "Salt cellar. Here’s one missing the top."

17. “Metal hatch in the foundation of my house?” Answer: "It looks like an ash-catch."

18. “These 2 burgundy metal springs I found in my house’s garage. They are about 3 inches long and pretty solid.” Answer: "They look like car door hinge springs probably from a Chevy."

19. “Looks to be a very small concrete bench or seat facing away from the road near a curb.” Answer: "They could be old carriage steps, used to help people get into and out of horse-drawn carriages."

20. “Weirdly ’heart-shaped’ metal object I found in my car” Answer: "End of a belt"

21. “Unknown kitchen gadget with plastic handle and steel ends” Answer: "Looks like a grapefruit knife."

22. “This item is metal and weighs roughly 10 pounds. Inside the ports are USB-C.” Answer: "Definitely a data logger for water quality. The red part is the sensor. I’d guess the main part of it is packed with batteries."

23. “Camera-looking thing hanging from the ceiling above stairs at an airport” Answer: "It’s a “Paging Horn Speaker” made by TOA Electronics, Inc."

24. “The perforated plate appears to be ceramic and there is a white granular substance under the plate.” Answer: "It’s a desiccator."

25. “It’s a clear, thin, glass penguin. It is 7½ inches tall.” Answer: "According to Worth Point, it is a vintage candy/nut dispenser that has 2 companion pieces."

26. “What is this specific hammer used for?” Answer: "It’s an auto body hammer. Typically, instead of swinging this hammer, you hold it in place and hit the flat face with another hammer."

27. “What is this metal object with crown-like ends and some threading in the center?” Answer: "It’s a vajra, a ritual weapon that symbolizes the properties of a thunderbolt (irresistible force) and a diamond (indestructibility)."

28. “Moon silverware, probably German late 19th early 20th century?” Answer: "It might be an ice cream serving set. Looks similar to this one here."

29. “Gold sphere with legs and handle. The sphere splits in 2, each side with a lid.” Answer: "It’s a silver-plated cookie box."

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4 Comments

eBaum's Picks

1.
“Mysterious yellow plastic disks mounted on a metal stand, seen near a baseball field.” Answer: "Shoulder rotator"

2.
“Brass, 4” (long side) 3″ (short side), has a hinge that opens at a 90° angle. The inside of the smaller side has ribs along the inside." Answer: “It’s an old bubble-blowing wand, pre-1800s.”

3.
“I can’t remember what this was for if I ever even knew. What is this thing?” Answer: “They’re tongs for lifting hot jars, so you don’t burn your fingers.”

4.
“Metal spring with plastic ends, 20cm long, no writing or markings” Answer: “It’s a hair remover used for little hairs on one’s face.”

5.
"What could this be?" Answer: “It’s a tool to take the top off of a boiled egg.”

6.
“Help me identify this thing.” Answer: “It looks like a rotating tie holder that gets mounted to a wall.”

7.
“Bought a new shirt. This small packet was attached with the tags. What are these for?” Answer: “Collar stiffeners. You can insert them in your collar to keep it stiff.”

8.
“Found this under my passenger seat. It has magnets on the back. Is this a GPS tracker someone put in my car?” Answer: “It is a GPS tracker, but not a very discrete one.”

9.
“What is this foldy metal thing attached to the side of my back porch?” Answer: “It’s a can crusher.”

10.
“It has a suction cup with it that appears to be a stand for it. One is open and one is closed as in the photo.” Answer: “It’s a grip for changing light bulbs that are out of reach.”

11.
“Found this in my office and can’t figure out what it’s for. It’s metal and only like a millimeter thick.” Answer: “It’s a key for those paper towel dispensers in the bathrooms.”

12.
“What is this thing? It’s not scissors and it closes with a snap.” Answer: “It’s a pair of authentic antique Victorian candle snuffer wick trimming scissors.”

13.
“Carved wood with wooden rings around it. The rings don’t come off. Found it in a park.” Answer: “It’s a Mexican hot-chocolate stirrer/whisk. Known as a molinillo.”

14.
"Does anyone know what this could be?" Answer: “It’s the opening to a Victorian-style purse.”

15.
“Silicon cup thing? My parents were randomly mailed this from an unknown address. Material is malleable.” Answer: “It’s an anticellulite device.”

16.
“Small gold pig container with a removable tiny spoon for a tail” Answer: "Salt cellar. Here’s one missing the top."

17.
“Metal hatch in the foundation of my house?” Answer: "It looks like an ash-catch."

18.
“These 2 burgundy metal springs I found in my house’s garage. They are about 3 inches long and pretty solid.” Answer: "They look like car door hinge springs probably from a Chevy."

19.
“Looks to be a very small concrete bench or seat facing away from the road near a curb.” Answer: "They could be old carriage steps, used to help people get into and out of horse-drawn carriages."

20.
“Weirdly ’heart-shaped’ metal object I found in my car” Answer: "End of a belt"

21.
“Unknown kitchen gadget with plastic handle and steel ends” Answer: "Looks like a grapefruit knife."

22.
“This item is metal and weighs roughly 10 pounds. Inside the ports are USB-C.” Answer: "Definitely a data logger for water quality. The red part is the sensor. I’d guess the main part of it is packed with batteries."

23.
“Camera-looking thing hanging from the ceiling above stairs at an airport” Answer: "It’s a “Paging Horn Speaker” made by TOA Electronics, Inc."

24.
“The perforated plate appears to be ceramic and there is a white granular substance under the plate.” Answer: "It’s a desiccator."

25.
“It’s a clear, thin, glass penguin. It is 7½ inches tall.” Answer: "According to Worth Point, it is a vintage candy/nut dispenser that has 2 companion pieces."

26.
“What is this specific hammer used for?” Answer: "It’s an auto body hammer. Typically, instead of swinging this hammer, you hold it in place and hit the flat face with another hammer."

27.
“What is this metal object with crown-like ends and some threading in the center?” Answer: "It’s a vajra, a ritual weapon that symbolizes the properties of a thunderbolt (irresistible force) and a diamond (indestructibility)."

28.
“Moon silverware, probably German late 19th early 20th century?” Answer: "It might be an ice cream serving set. Looks similar to this one here."

29.
“Gold sphere with legs and handle. The sphere splits in 2, each side with a lid.” Answer: "It’s a silver-plated cookie box."