I will never not be amazed by the ability some people have to identify really random things. But that's honestly one of the coolest parts of the internet to me. There's really someone out there who can answer and question.
So of course, when it came to the strange things in this list, there was someone to answer them all.
The fact that it was found in a lake should've been a tip off. But Reddit user SaintBaal was quick to identify this strange, rusty thing as a spinning tackle. Like, for fishing.
Just like that last jacket mystery, this one was a pretty simple solve. Reddit user jackrats said, "The fleece can go inside an outer shell jacket. The loops connect inside the sleeves of the jacket so that the sleeves of the fleece don't come out of the jacket when you take it off."
As it turns out, these pieces aren't from China, they're actually from Germany. Reddit user Master_Chipmunk was easily able to identify these things as part of a German game called spillikin, which is kind of like pick up sticks.
It was Reddit user Sydeburnn who showed up with the right answer this time. These light pillars are, in fact, light pillars, which is a light phenomenon that happens during cold nights from time to time. It has something to do with light and ice crystals.
My guess is that this is a access panel for pipes, which isn't really so strange of a thing when you think about it.
And everyone in the comment section guessed the same thing. I guess if you don't know what it is, it would be kind of weird.
The Reddit commenters quickly identified this thing as a tip protector, for either a thread ripper or a pair of scissors. And here I was thinking it was some kind of weird thimble.
Reddit user I_Me_Mine showed up quickly to drop the right answer to this strange little mystery: "Looks like a vintage disc eraser (aka typewriter eraser)."
I didn't even know you could erase typewriter mistakes.
Reddit user meowmom1988 said, "It looks a lot like a spring or well house used to house pumping equipment or contain and store water." And after OP found an old map of the property, they confirmed this answer to be right!
"It's a Radionics Machine. Total BS, but might be worth some money to the right sucker," said Reddit user GornsNotTinny. So it's useless, but still kind of cool.
Reddit user brock_lee busted out a super obscure response that ended up being the right answer. It's some kind of resistance band exercise device. Kind of a weird gift to give someone if you ask me.
Reddit user robertbadbobgadson had a very simple yet correct answer: "Air flow meter for HVAC to help balance the system." Don't you just love it when the answer is that easy?
Reddit user shockzone quickly identified the thing as a bush hammer for stonework. Then, Reddit user Buttfor3 gave a bit more info on the hammer:
"Bushing hammers are used to flatten rougher surfaces of stone when chipping would remove too much but filing too little."
Reddit user rjstoz said, "Looks to be an Eveready bike light of some kind. I recall something about bikes and cars in WW2 having that kind of deflector to reduce lights in blackouts."
Another amazing catch from a clever internet person!
The Reddit comment section came to the conclusion that the cage and the clamp inside are two unrelated pieces. The cage is probably for a light, while the clamp looks like some kind of tool for power lines.
According to Reddit user da_real_Bearsuit, they're "Lights. Tall very bright lights with Generators to illuminate the site. They are expandable? Or devices for telemetry?"
Yeah, that makes sense.
OP ended up finding the answer to this thing on their own:
"Per one of [late step-dad's] former coworkers, it is something that they would use to calibrate some machines at work. Likely made on-site, which is why they don't have any writing on them."
Reddit user the-crab-restaurant had the right answer to this small thing right away. Apparently, it's a "Clamp for a mitre saw or chop saw." Yet another amazing solve thanks to the internet.
That thing is definitely not for shoes. According to Reddit user jackrats, it's a media shelf, probably for either DVDs or VHS tapes. In other words, it's somewhat of a relic from the past.
Reddit user jackrats once again came through with the right answer. It's a "Toggle chain. A form of restraint." It looks like this is something police would've used instead of handcuffs at one point in time.
If you ever played a brass instrument, you'll probably recognize this thing. The Reddit comments quickly identified this thing as a mouthpiece, apparently specifically for a tuba.
I thought it looked familiar...
Reddit user thatonedesignerguy had all the info on this thing:
"Vintage Collectible Tupperware 'SLI-SAW-ALL' Gadget. Tupperware plastic kitchen tool with serrated edge for slicing tomatoes, veggies, soft fruits, even some types of cheese."
That's... kind of random.
Reddit user SnapCrackleMom identified this strange drawer as a bread drawer. It looks like they used to be pretty common in old houses.
I don't know about you, but I think a bread box would do just fine.
Reddit use usaroamer took one look at the condensation along the top part of the windows, and declared that this thing is a "Cooling Tower." I'll never not be impressed by how easily people can identify the most random things.
As it turned out, there was someone who could identify this thing. It was Reddit user lejuliendelux, who said, "It’s a fuel powered heater. De Dietrich Europe or Eurolacq." Nice!
Reddit user Mackin-N-Cheese had the answer for this one. As it turns out, it's an old rocket toy: "you put a cap in it and toss it and it makes a bang."
After some back and forth, and finding out that OP found this on a beach years ago, it became clear that this blob is a chunk of foam insulation for a boat. At least it looks cool.
Reddit user GornsNotTinny said it's "Just a nice example of a wood turned box with a memento inside." The thing that was inside the box (on the left of the box in the picture) is still unknown, though.
The Reddit comment section was very unified in identifying this strange substance as a pack of silica gel beads that were left in a pocket during the wash, and got wet and expanded. Makes sense.
Reddit user zzznyk did a little sleuthing and found out that this particular coat is supposed to have a belt, and that loop is where the belt goes. I love how simple the answer ended up being.
I honestly would've never guessed what this thing was in a million years. But I didn't have to, because Reddit user jackrats swooped in with the right answer. Believe it or not, it's a nutcracker.
