Over on Reddit, people are asking internet strangers for help identifying mysterious and strange historical objects they found in the most mundane places. From spiky, sinister scissors, to historical artifacts that need a bit of explaining, here are a few odd objects that needed identification.
What Is This Piece Of Ceramic Art?
‘Medical Devices? But For What Kind Of Surgery?
Found While Fishing In Latvia… What Is It?
‘Found In Historic Late-1800s Cemetery On Child’s Grave. What Is This Thing?’
‘Super Small Mini Flask? The ‘Needle’ Screws Into The Flask’
What Type Of Mask Is This Man Wearing?
‘What Are These Medal Things On The Corner Of These Stairs And What Is Their Purpose?’
‘Thin Slabs Of Ivory With Days Of The Week On The Top Found In My Closet’
‘What Is This Ostentatious Wooden Alcove That Doesn’t Match Any Other Part Of The House?’
My stepmother – for her master’s thesis – wrote a specialist piece [on] contemporary private chapels.
After showing her the… answers [on this post], this is what she said:
The raised wooden dais and the mock support/surrounds combined with what looks to be a clergyman’s confession cabinet all lead me to believe this was very likely to be an old, influential, and wealthy American family’s private chapel. 1850-1880s is when these were most popular. Although it appears to be a split-level basement (half below tarmac; half above ground), it’s likely that this was only sunk 50-80 cm below what the original street level was when it was built.
What Is ‘Osogen Treatment’ And What Is It For?
‘What Is He Holding? A Late 1800s Vendor In A Mexican Marketplace.’
What Is This? Found In An Old Farm House From The 1800s…
A Bottle Of ‘Herbal Fiery Particles To Light Up Your Articles.’ What Is It?
What Is This Silver Object That Was Found In An Antique Shop?
‘Unknown Glass Object Filled With Unknown Liquid, Found In An Early 1900s Barn. Any Leads?’
‘This Image Was Found In An Old Family Album From The 1800s.’ What Is Going On Here And Why?
‘Found This At My Friend’s House… Likely An Animal Horn’
Found Under The Floorboards In An 1800s House
Found This Imbedded In A Bathroom Wall. What Is It?
Found While Metal Detecting In Eastern Washington. What Is It?
