People Post Pictures Of Mysterious Objects They Found And Look For Answers
At some point, everybody will come across an object they don't recognize. Whether people find them in the streets or uncover them while moving out, these things can mystify them and lead them to look for answers.
Here are some bizarre discoveries people posted to Reddit so people online could try their hand at identifying them. The answers are bizarre, and surprising...
"living Lovecraftian nightmare"
One morning, Reddit user pbjburger discovered this strange organic pod on their lawn chair. It was apparently squirming, and they described it as a "living Lovecraftian nightmare" when they started their quest to figure out what they were truly dealing with. The answer may not provide some with much comfort, but it's at least a plausible and identifiable explanation.
As other users figured out, this is likely the larva of a hag moth. It's sometimes called a "monkey slug" because of the tentacle-like arms in its back, which are supposed to make it look like a dead leaf.
Let's keep going...
They look like Tide pods and they shouldn't be eaten either
After Reddit user Rokdout made spaghetti with a canned sauce, they found these strange little orbs in the finished product. Once enough people saw it, they were horrified and hoped the uploader hadn't eaten any of that spaghetti. That's because these are rosary peas. That's bad news because if left untreated for long enough, the poison from these peas can cause fatal liver failure.
Naturally, this led some to wonder how such things possibly ended up in spaghetti sauce. Since some cultures use rosary peas for jewelry, the most likely explanation was that someone's bracelet broke, and parts ended up in the sauce. Jewelry is banned from food plants by law for this very reason, but not everybody follows that law.
It doesn't go where it looks like it does
While Reddit user Merciman was apparently snooping in their father's room, they came across this strange wearable piece. It was unclear what it was or why it seemed covered in springs, but they were just hoping they hadn't found something lascivious.
Although it would arguably serve them right for snooping if they had, it turns out this device has a perfectly innocent and practical purpose. Apparently, this is called Yakstrax, and it's supposed to be slipped over shoes to allow for greater traction in icy environments. It's similar to crampons but less sharp and pointy.
It's even weirder on the inside
After hearing a loud crashing sound over her house at 5 am one morning, Reddit user Theheadandthefart discovered an odd mass of feathers. And when she and her husband opened it up, they discovered what turned out to be fly eggs inside. Although the feathers were quickly identified as duck down, it was unclear whether this was some kind of tumor.
If it was, how did it end up here, and what was the crashing sound about? Well, the most likely answer is that a larger bird of prey pounced on the duck, which made the sound. It then skinned the duck to get rid of the feathers before eating it and casting this refuse aside. A fly then laid its eggs in that refuse.
Let's go on to the next find...
A simple tool with a simple purpose
Although it's unclear how it came into their possession, Reddit user PangolinMaleficent82 had their hands on a small tool that had a purpose they couldn't decipher. They knew it was four inches long and had two flat metal slides with different numbers written on them, but they were unsure about the other details.
If they had to guess, they figured it's used for sharpening something. And it turns out that they were right! This is a knife sharpener, though it might be a little more appropriate to call it an honer.
Even the real Dickens might find this fancy
According to Reddit user varminted, these long brass slats were part of the Charles Dickens Heritage Collection. They certainly bear the same insignia as the card next to them and even feature the engravings of a couple of lions on one end.
Yet, while all of this explains where they came from, it doesn't explain what these objects are actually supposed to do. As it turns out, they're display hangers for decorative plates. With that in mind, it's hard not to wonder how fancy those plates are.
They look sharp, but the rest is harder to figure out
When Reddit user ReverendJonesLLC showed this tool to the website's r/whatisthisthing community, they described it in as much detail as they could. Each prong here has three sharp edges, sandblasted indentations, a three-inch blade, and a three-and-a-half-inch handle made from either carbon fiber or fiberglass.
Although commenters were quick to figure out that these are reamers made for making the holes in pipes larger, this particular model seemed like an unusual variant of the tool. However, one user mentioned using an identical tool for reaming copper pipes, so that narrows it down a little more.
Ironically, this thing's whole job is not to be seen.
One day, Reddit user scary2020 opened a bag of sour cream wheels to find a strange blue disc inside. They were nice to transcribe the "ferrous 25mm BST, cert number 213026B" inscription written on it, but that didn't mean any more to them than the disc itself. But as another user named death_by_chocolate explained, they do mean something to the factory employees where the snacks were made.
That's because this is a testing chip that's supposed to test the factory's procedures for preventing a foreign object from ending up in a bag of snacks. Since the testing chip itself ended up in the snacks, that means someone at that factory is in really big trouble.
It doesn't do as much as it seems
When PufferFish57 shared their photos of this ornate silver rod, they were baffled by the hooks on either side of it and stumped as to its purpose. It doesn't open and it was unclear what those loops are supposed to connect to.
Based on a revealing comment by another user named GrimDB311, it seems that's it's supposed to hook onto a military uniform. That's because this is a ceremonial commander's baton that is typically used when a new leader comes into power in Bolivia.
Sadly, identifying this didn't solve all the user's problems
When Reddit user alleywayamphibian's neighbors installed this device with the navy blue circle facing their backyard, they were curious about what it was. That's especially true because it makes a constant quiet, high-pitched hum and clicks twice every four seconds, which was stressing their dog out.
Unfortunately, that seemed to be the point, as it's an ultrasonic pest repellent that's intended to deter dog barking. However, it's supposed to be used only when the barking stops and turned off when it ceases rather than perpetually working over extended periods of time. Since it's being misused, its presence only makes the dog bark more. Looks like it's time for an uncomfortable conversation with the neighbor.
How did that get here?
Although Reddit user H3arrl3ss3lf didn't take the largest or clearest photos of this device, they were curious to know exactly what had been installed on this utility pole in their neighborhood. Although their own independent research didn't reveal any answers, the community they reached out to delivered.
It turns out that this is a directional antenna with a protective plastic cover over it. Specifically, it's a log-periodic antenna. Its potential uses are many but the most likely explanation is that it's helping to maintain cellular or internet service in the area.
It's a pot, but what for?
When Reddit user accountsrecievable showed this metal item to the world, they described it as a "silver teapot thing" that featured a folding handle. Although they were a little off on what was supposed to go in this pot, that folding handle turned out to be an important detail.
Although some suggestions identifying this as a chocolate pot seemed fairly plausible, there was another user named nitro479 who likely got even closer to the mark. Based on their response, it seems that this is a Turkish coffee pot, as those are known to have folding handles.
This is not for beginners
While at a mountain bike park, Reddit user saltyhumor came across this two-foot tall stand that had cut bike tire treads attached to its inside edges. Although these facts made it clear that this object is a tool for bike owners, it wasn't immediately clear what its purpose was.
Some commenters thought it might be intended for bike repair, but saltyhumor figured it was too low to the ground for that purpose. However, it wasn't too low for what likely turned out to be the right answer. This is a stand that allows more adventurous mountain bikers to test tricks like jumps, wheelies, and manuals.
An unusual design disguises something mundane
When Reddit user Time-Satisfaction317 attended a university event, they were given a small plastic item that they described as "telescopic." By that, they meant that it was articulated and allowed them to extend the pieces like a telescope. The difference is that they could pull them apart entirely.
Indeed, the fact that each piece could be its own separate entity told commenters what they needed to know to solve the mystery. Despite the neat trick to their design, it turned out that these items were simple chip clips used to keep snack bags fresh for longer.
Keep watching the skies!
While Reddit user segajennasis was driving in Erie, Pennsylvania, they noticed this massive, mysterious ring hanging in the air. Although it attracted a lot of other drivers in the area to stop and take photos of it, none of them seemed to have any idea what it was either. However, anyone excited to see evidence of a UFO may be a little disappointed.
That's because the most likely reason for a giant ring of smoke to appear in the sky is due to a power transformer exploding. This usually happens due to lightning, but it is also possible for similar rings to form as the result of pyrotechnics tests. The first scenario is a little more likely, though.
This inspired some curiosity
When Reddit user clindbergh sought answers about this item, all they could say was that it was made of brass, fit around their hand, and had "nivers" written on it. Although there was more text than that inscribed on the item, it was locked in place and that text wasn't readable.
However, it turns out that "nivers" was enough of a clue for others to figure out the truth. This is a universal corn husker and said as much in the inscription. It's just that the first letter was worn away and the rest was blocked off.
It's concerning, but not for the reason she thought
One morning, Reddit user cali4niabunny was startled to see this strange growth forming on her light fixture while she ran her Air Wick underneath it. Since the mass looked fleshy and almost alien, she was scared to go near it before she found answers as to what it was.
And while the answer made her squirm a little less, it also contained an important warning. The growth formed after volatile compounds in the Air Wick evaporated, which caused the paint on the light to dissolve and condense. Since this meant she was breathing in a volatile mixture, she was warned not to run the Air Wick below any other devices again.
Somebody figured this out in record time
When Reddit user NexusRaven7 showed this item to the r/whatisthisthing community, it had already stumped them. They knew they had a two-inch plastic box with rubber bumps and metal tabs, but everything else about it was a complete mystery to them.
However, an hour hadn't even passed before that mystery was solved. Another user named Mr_Firley did a little googling and found out that this was an atomizer for a bubble maker. In other words, it's what converts the liquid solution in those devices to actual bubbles.
It's fancier than most things like it
From the looks of things, this looks like the kind of dish one would take into a fancy dining room. However, it's not immediately clear from looking at it what they would do with it next. After all, it's not a tea cup or a butter dish.
Instead, it turns out that it's a Victorian inkwell. The pens go in those holes in the top, and the saucer is part of the set in the event that the well tips over. It seems like a clever solution to an old-world problem.
It's colorful, but that's about it at the moment
After Reddit user DialecticChaos1 found what looked like a small plastic cap, they noticed that it had a magnetic component in the center and a small metal ball on the yellow end. Naturally, those components only made them more curious about this thing.
Fortunately, another user named fellowspecies informed the uploader that they were missing a cap that was supposed to go over the blue part and explained the item's gimmick. As they described it, it's both a top and a candy container that doesn't serve either purpose terribly well. It's also supposed to light up when used.
Curiouser and curiouser
When Reddit user Demonazzzz found this small plastic tab in their home, they saw that it wasn't broken and that it had two arrows that implied it could slide back and forth on something. But they were at a loss as to what it was supposed to go with. Unfortunately, solving this mystery only seemed to raise further questions for them.
This is part of a radiator's thermostat but apparently, not any thermostat that's actually in the house. Since neither of the ones Demonazzzz used had a piece missing, the only explanation they could think of was that someone who recently cleaned their windows dropped it.
This doesn't look like it fills the role it does
When Reddit user Leading-Ad-5316 turned up to the site's r/whatisthisting community, they were understandably stumped. They had a four-inch object that made from a foam-like substance and felt squishy and firm all at once. That didn't leave them with a lot of clues, but it provided enough for others.
That's because this unusual design is apparently for a door stop. Although the traditional model tends to have a thin portion that wedges under the door, it seems that this one works a little differently. It may not be long before this design catches on enough that this all seems like a silly question in retrospect.
A fun little discovery
When Reddit user eli5base came across this black electronic box, they knew that the Braille inscriptions on it had come from the previous owner. However, that knowledge didn't lead them any closer to finding out what they were looking at.
Curiously, the commenter who solved the mystery for them ended up deleting their account shortly after. This meant that their explanations were detailed as well but based on the character of the uploader's responses, this is likely a radio transceiver. They mentioned they don't plan on broadcasting anything anytime soon, though.
It's clearly been here for a while
While Reddit user J_House1999 was walking through the woods of central Massachusetts with a friend, they came across this large tank. There was also the rusted remains of a classic car nearby but J_House1999 figured this tank was large enough to be transported by train. Based on the bullet holes in the tank, it's sat here for a long time.
Still, it's easy to underestimate just how long ago it was made because this is the back part of a 1938 Ford cement mixer truck. It's hard to tell what it's doing here besides serving as target practice but that should provide some insight into how long it's sat here.
Well, it's definitely not a toilet
Although Reddit user Inside-Spend-4325 wasn't clear about how they came into possession of this sizable object, they did describe it thoroughly. It was made from heavy porcelain, was made by the "DM" company based in London, and it doesn't have any holes or connecting points.
What they discovered is that while it may not be connected to any plumbing, it was made from similar materials to a toilet for a reason. Namely, this thing sees a lot of water when it's in use. That's because it's supposed to go behind a polishing wheel or lathe and keep any water or pumice discharges contained.
What was it doing out here?
While Reddit user mikeydollarbill was out and about in central North Carolina, they noticed part of this unusual tool sticking out of the ground. Once they dug up the rest of it, they were at a loss as to what they were looking at.
Although this metal slab and its hinged handle were soon identified, the question still remains as to why it was sitting in the middle of nowhere. That's because it's a fireplace damper that controls airflow alongside the fireplace's flue. Apparently, somebody didn't need it anymore.
It turns out it wasn't worth knowing about
When Reddit user Chaton_D examined this tool that came into their possession, it reminded them of a few other tools, but didn't seem to do their jobs. It sort of looks like a can opener and it opens and closes like a pair of scissors, but wasn't sharp enough to be either of them.
So what is it? Apparently, it's tool for shucking and trimming oysters. However, based on the judgements of those with experience in doing that, the public confidence is low in this tool being terribly effective at that job either. So ultimately, the most pertinent takeaway isn't that it's a tool for oysters but a piece of junk.
Somebody might miss this little piece
When Reddit user whentheimj found this in a coffee shop, they noticed that the base part at the bottom was magnetic. Based on the build and the indents in it, however, it seemed unlikely to them that it's only purpose was to be a magnet. They even started to worry that it may be a tracking device.
However, it turns out that this was a bigger problem for the person who lost it than the person who found it. That's because it's a docking station for a special type of charger made by Ugreen that looks like a little robot. The docking station is supposed to be the robot's feet.
Does somebody think they're James Bond?
When Reddit user Cetoken found this pointy metal device on the road in winter, they knew it was made of aluminum and wasn't magnetic. Since it's a strange thing to see on the road, they figured it had to have fallen off of some traction system. However, this theory turned out to be a little too innocent.
That's because this is part of a caltrop that's used to pop the tires of vehicles and make them lose control. Since caltrops are illegal in many states for that reason, these ones were apparently sold as anti-theft "rescue nails." That's probably not fooling anyone but the real question is why someone put this on the road in the first place.
These are surprisingly meaningful little wands
While Reddit user Stonewall863 was moving, they came across these small plastic sticks in a clear baggy on a table. They look they would hold sandwiches together in a restaurant but it turns out that's not what they're used for.
It also turns out that their colors mean more than they may seem. That's because these are indicators that allow people with hearing aids to determine which ears their devices are supposed to go inside. A red indicator typically indicates that something goes in the right ear while a blue indicator signifies the left.
A harder mystery to solve than usual
Although Reddit user G_Rubes noted that this device they saw has a flat-tip screwdriver on the end of it, that still left them in the dark as to the purpose of this softball-sized tool. And while initial responses established some background for it, the mystery only thickened at first. Although somebody else found out it was manufactured by the Brown Company of Syracuse, New York, they didn't know what it was either.
However, Reddit user MrDorkESQ discovered discovered that this was because the source who revealed this information mistook it for an invention by Alexander T. Brown. Instead, it's the product of an automotive company. This led them to reveal that this is a valve grinder used to keep engine valves running smoothly.
The town certainly would have needed this
While they were walking in a forest near an old mining town, Reddit user PossibleBuilding4068 came across these broken pipes sticking out of the ground. They were particularly fascinated by the fact that it was a two-pipe system with one sticking out from the other.
The piping's proximity to an old mining town makes sense, as it turns out that this was once the riser pipe and casing for an old well. Although the uploader didn't mention whether the town is still inhabited, it's clear that they stopped using this well about as definitively as one can, since the riser pipe and its protective casing were clearly severed on purpose.
A unfamiliar version of a familiar object
When Reddit user Connect-Bandicoot604 introduced this small wooden item to the world, they noted that it was made in Spain. It also featured a top part that completely unscrewed from the rest of it and contained some leftover sediment inside. But since that sediment didn't smell like anything, the item seemed mysterious.
However, it turned out that sediment wasn't as mysterious as it smelled. That's because that large screw that runs through the center of the tool is used for cracking nuts. It's a different approach to a nutcracker than many people are used to but so long as it works!
It might as well be new
Reddit user MinuteTrainer8998 uploaded a photo of this large brass plate that measures two feet in diameter. They noted that the central part can be taken out with the two handles shown here but also saw that there were no markings to indicate what this was or where it came from.
Although commenters were quick to explain what this was, the uploader found their explanation hard to believe because it didn't look like it had been used as they described. Nonetheless, this is a brazier. That's a portable low-tech heater in which hot coals are supposed to be placed in that removable central unit.
The uploader knew the answer all along
After a child's birthday party in their home, Reddit user GubmintTroll found this small plastic box in a kitchen drawer. It was clear that it had been damaged and it seemed like a cap to them but they were unsure where it was supposed to fit.
At least, it was unclear until commenters reminded the uploader what had happened in their house. Although people likely expected to break the unpleasant news that one of the kids at the party had broken the handle on the refrigerator door and hid this part away, the uploader said they forgot that had happened years ago.
Who could have guessed this one?
Although Reddit user Cuunla was aware that they had an old triangular measuring and calculation tool on their hands, it was hard not to be curious about what it was used for. And not only did they find out very quickly, but the information they received likely wouldn't have been most people's first guess.
This is a measuring triangle and in general terms, it's essentially how people could mechanically work out trigonometry equations in the days before electronic calculators existed. In that respect, it's not unlike a slide rule. However, Aero Antique explained that this model was specifically used to determine the range and fire efficiency of German machine guns during World War II.
Someone learned a lot that day
When Reddit user riings received this flat orange placard, they soon learned that the inscription near the top was in Chinese. They also noted that only the metallic figures strewn across it poked out from the piece. They also didn't know what the inscription said.
Fortunately, some commenters who were familiar with Chinese traditions were able to fill in the blanks. They explained that this was a traditional gift during the Lunar New Year and that the inscription stated, "Bringing luck and fortune." They also noted that the depicted figures are seven gods of luck.
Once they learned what this was, it revealed a lot
When Reddit user memehottopic uploaded photos of these little metal boxes, it was hard to even begin to guess what they could possibly be. It was clear they had clock and locking mechanisms and came with a pouch with a metal clasp on it, but they couldn't figure out how these facts added up.
They found them in their fallen grandfather's house, which then revealed more than they expected about the man's father once it was clear what these were used for. As it turns out, they were runners clocks used at bookmakers to ensure that further betting slips could be entered into the bag once the betting deadline had passed. Apparently, the uploader's great-grandfather used to run a sportsbook out of his living room.
This was a bit of a puzzler
Reddit user Vaudevillain described this set-up as consisting of a wooden frame with built-in wooden paddles and removable wedges made from the same material. Since the paddles looked a little like fireplace bellows, that influenced some of the earliest guesses as to what this was.
However, others started to suspect this was actually a food press and Reddit user wojic had a very specific confirmation for these suspicions. It's actually a farmer's cheese press of Polish origin in which milk (possibly fermented milk) would be placed in a cloth or net between the paddles and squeezed.
The uploader solved their own problem on this one
This little wall-mounted unit is made of hard plastic with some internal threading and was found at the entrance of an apartment in Poland that was built during the 1970s. Yet, while the people who frequent Reddit's r/whatisthisthing community are typically uncanny in their ability to identify things, it turned out to be the uploader who figured this one out.
That's because commenters kept insisting that this was a doorbell with the button missing. Although they balked when Reddit user pm-me-something-fun insisted that wasn't it, they had to admit defeat when the uploader presented their own research. It turns out that this was a three-pin connector to help certain workers read the home's heat meter.