10+ People Who Found Bizarre Objects and Needed Experts to Unravel Their Mystery

In the past, people who stumbled upon mysterious objects would often have to rely on their own knowledge and intuition to determine their purpose. This could be a time-consuming and difficult task, especially if the object was particularly unusual or complex. However, today, thanks to a subreddit with more than 2 million users, with a few clicks, we can instantly connect to experts that can help us solve our puzzle.

“That’s a fine spoon...but what exactly is it used for?”

Answer: I made it, carved from wood. It’s a traditional Kazakh ladle.

“I seriously need help identifying this thing.”

Answer: It’s a tool for polishing drinking glasses.

“Found this in my grandpa’s closet. What is it?”

Answer: It’s to pick up sugar cubes.

“What is this wooden object?”

Answer: It’s a hat stretcher.

“My dad bought these at a garage sale. They’re solid brass and open on the inside. Any ideas?”

Answer: They are fancy stirrups; devices attached to each side of a horse’s saddle in the form of a loop with a flat base to support the rider’s foot.

“A friend received this as a wedding gift many years ago. The gifter wouldn’t tell him what it’s for. Any ideas?”

Answer: It’s a cheese holder. Lets you slice cheese without handling the block.

“Here are unidentified objects received in a recent cookie order, they are rubbery plastic. They don’t seem related to any of the food items in my purchase.”

Answer: They are supposed to be a gag gift. You put the rubber part around your ear, and it looks like you have a cotton swab sticking out of your head.

“Had these mailed to me unannounced. No idea what they are. Any help?”

Answer: They go on your key ring, and you use them to open doors or push buttons, so you don’t have to use your fingers.

“What is this spoon used for? Found in a relative’s house.”

Answer: It’s used to feed those who can’t feed themselves, also known as a vintage invalid feeding spoon on eBay.

“I’m moving into a new apartment, and there’s this thing sticking out of the bathroom floor. Please tell me what this is and what it does.”

Answer: It’s an old-school tub plug.

“It’s a plastic handle metal triangle thing on top that looks like it might be used to put grooves in something. What could it be?”

Answer: It’s a woodworking knife. But it can be a multipurpose tool for hobbyists, used to cut linoleum or carve clay.

“Why do these window grills have a bump? Seen in Spain.”

Answer: They’re called “belly bars” in a lot of places. They’re designed for flower boxes.

“Found above the door in the backseat of a 2011 Porsche Cayenne; what are the holes behind the small door used for?”

Answer: Hangers. So if you pick up dry cleaning, you can hang the clothing instead of risking wrinkles by laying it on the seat.

“What’s this thingamajig?”

Answer: It’s an asparagus server.

“Saw this object today in Austria. What is it?”

Answer: It’s a bollard; when installed primarily as a visual guide, they guide traffic and mark boundaries.

Which of these items do you have in your household? What would you try to use that double ladle for? Let us know in the comments.