19 Mysterious Things Only Internet “Detectives” Could Identify
We all encounter strange objects from time to time, sparking curiosity about their purpose. In the past, finding answers meant visiting a library or asking a knowledgeable person. Today, we have a network of internet detectives who can solve the mystery behind any object. Here are some of the most intriguing discoveries made by these online sleuths.
- Electric Massager from the 1920s
- Someone posted a picture of a metal object with a plastic knob and handle, which turned out to be an electric massager from the 1920s.
- Cuneiform Tablet from the Louvre
- A heavy chunk of metal that retained its color for decades was identified as a cuneiform tablet, commonly sold as a souvenir at the Louvre and other museums.
- Lockout/Tagout Gang Lock
- A baffling clamp that wouldn’t open beyond a certain point was identified as a gang lock used in workplace safety for Lockout/Tagout procedures.
- Mystery Keychain Attachment
- A random metal attachment found by someone turned out to be a keychain accessory.
- Antique Butcher’s Thumb Protector
- A perplexing thumb protector was recognized as an antique tool used by butchers.
- Blue Reflective Markers for Animal Safety
- Blue reflective markers facing a field were explained as devices to reflect car headlights, helping animals avoid crossing roads.
- Hand Warmer with Gel and Metal Disc
- A small pouch with red gel and a metal disc inside was identified as a hand warmer. Activating the metal piece starts a chemical reaction that heats the pad, and it can be recharged by boiling in water.
- Clay Modeling Instruments or Cake-Decorating Tools
- Odd disposable cutlery found in a new flat turned out to be tools for clay modeling or cake decorating.
- Baby Bottle and Glass Drainer
- A spiky plastic object was identified as a drainer for baby bottles and glasses.
- Neon Rainbow Acrylic Support Tiles for Mahjong
- Neon rainbow acrylic sticks from a secondhand store were identified as support tiles for playing Mahjong.
- Occupancy Sensor for Office Workstations
- A device mounted under an office desk was recognized as an occupancy sensor used to organize workstations.
- Boy Scouts Neckerchief Slide
- A small metal trinket with an eagle, fleur-de-lis, and rope pattern found on a rural farm was identified as a Boy Scouts neckerchief slide.
- Mesh Bed Bug Detector
- A red-flashing light from a rubber piece on a hotel bed leg turned out to be a mesh bed bug detector.
- Ruling Pen for Calligraphy
- A long tool with a metal dial, related to calligraphy, was identified as a ruling pen for drawing with ink or other fluids.
- Old Puzzle Called Octo-mania
- Six numbered wooden cubes in an old box were recognized as an old puzzle called Octo-mania.
- Tool for Leather Manipulation
- A wooden tool with a metal section and the letter A was identified as a tool for softening, imprinting, and cutting leather.
- Hair Scissors Key for Adjusting Hair Clippers
- A round, cog-like metallic tag found in a hairdressing kit was identified as a hair scissors key used for adjusting clippers.
- Shoe Polisher in a Compressible Sponge
- A compressible sponge soaked in a clear, oily substance received at a conference was identified as a shoe polisher.
- Mosquito-Repellent Ankle Device
- An ankle device seen at a Caribbean resort was identified as a mosquito-repellent device.
If you ever come across a puzzling object, don’t hesitate to seek help from internet detectives. They might just have the answers you need!