10 Bizarre Objects That Left People Scratching Their Heads — Until They Found Out What They Really Were
As the world keeps moving forward, countless inventions are left behind—some becoming relics of the past, others simply confusing us. When faced with mysterious objects that seem to have no explanation, people have turned to the internet (especially Reddit) to solve these little riddles of history.
Here are 10 puzzling items that once had a clear purpose—and in some cases, still do.
1. A Wooden Box with Colorful Slats
At first glance, it just looked like a basic wooden container filled with small, colorful pieces of wood. But a closer look—and a helpful internet sleuth—revealed its true identity: a Montessori color tablet set. Each piece, or “tablet,” helps young children identify and match colors, and even learn about color theory. Far from obsolete, this tool is still widely used in early education today.
2. A Suspicious Object on a Wooden Board
This one turned out to be far more serious than people expected. Found in Montreal, this item looked strange and outdated—because it was. It was actually an unexploded artillery round. Authorities had to call in the bomb squad to safely remove and dispose of it.
3. A Tiny Metal Spoon
This small, delicate spoon puzzled many, especially since it didn’t seem fit for eating. Turns out, it had a variety of uses: from cleaning under fingernails to scooping out earwax. While it may not be common today, it was once considered quite handy.
4. A Strange Brick Structure
In Kerry, Ireland, a tall brick structure with seemingly no function caught someone’s attention. Surprisingly, it was a remnant of the railway era—used to store water for refilling train tanks. These towers were essential in the age of steam trains and still exist in some places along old rail lines.
5. Heavy-Duty Pillowcase Zippers in Hotels
At first glance, these looked like anti-theft devices or security tags. But there’s no need to panic—they’re actually there for hygiene. The zippers are designed to prevent bed bugs from entering pillows and cushions, giving hotel guests some peace of mind.
6. A Device That Looks Like a Torture Tool
Unearthed in a grandmother’s basement, this metal object raised some eyebrows. Some assumed it had a sinister use, and in a way, they weren’t wrong. It was actually used in cow milking—a device designed to assist in the process. Details? Best left unspoken.
7. A Curious Kitchen Gadget
This odd-looking tool confused people at first, but it’s more common than it seems. It’s an egg topper—used to cleanly slice off the tops of soft-boiled eggs without creating a mess. It may look medieval, but it’s practical for breakfast lovers.
8. A Spinning-Top Lookalike
Some thought it might be a spiritual pendulum, others a toy. In reality, it’s a plumb bob—a tool used by builders to measure depth, height, or vertical alignment. It’s still used today in various construction and design work.
9. A Misplaced Brick on a Wall
Why would a brick stick out so oddly from a well-built wall? This wasn’t sloppy masonry—it was a clever design feature. These bricks are part of drainage systems, channeling water from roofs or interiors away from the structure.
10. A Match-Holding Shirt Pin
Found with an old pack of matches, this strange object once had a very practical use. It’s a pin that clips to a shirt and holds a match—a stylish and clever accessory from an era when smoking was more common and lighters were a luxury.
As time passes, even the most useful tools can fade from memory. But every so often, someone finds one of these mysterious items and uncovers a forgotten story about how people used to live, work, and solve everyday problems. Who knows what’s still hiding in attics, garages, and basements—waiting to be rediscovered?