Can You Figure Out These Mystery Items?

We all think we know our antiques, but then sometimes an object comes along that just really makes to you stop and ponder what on earth it could have been used for. We’ve assembled together 6 items that we had a hard time puzzling out at first. See if you know what these relics from another time were used for!

1) With many spikes this metal tool looks like a torture device but we swear it’s not! Think you know what it was actually used for?

What is it?

If you guessed that it was a hackle then you are correct! Used to thresh flax stalks in pre-industrial times, this tool came in various sizes and shapes and was instrumental in obtaining the fibers (tow) for linen production.

Maybe you know the next one?

2) This small wooden instrument is oval with a handle on one side. The center is hollow. Think you know what this is?

What is it?

If you thought it was a tatting shuttle then you’re right! Our great grandmothers spent many an hour making lace on a device like this one.

Think you know this next item?

3) Mounted on the wall, this cone is made of metal and bears the name Minimax. Hint: it’s not an old timey megaphone!

What is it?

If you thought this looked suspiciously like a fire extinguisher then you are correct! Once removed from the wall, there is a release valve on the bottom which will cause water to shoot up like a fire hose once it has been popped.

On to the next one!

4) This handled tool has a spring and a screw on the top. Looks pretty heavy duty. Think you know what this was used for?

What is it?

If you recognized this as a saw tooth setter then you’re spot on!Used to repair and create saws, this tool would make the teeth come out just right.

What about these guys?

5) The objects in the picture above each have two figures connected by a rod, all made from metal. Think you have have an idea what they are?

What is it?

If you guessed they were knife rests then you have a good eye! The dogs pictured are whippets and place settings like these would have been used in only the finest households of the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Do you know the next one?

6) This next one is kind of difficult – we’re not gonna lie! It’s a metal tube with a receptacle on one side. The receptacle is also hollow with a door. Do you have any clue at all what this could be?

What is it?

If you thought it was a qalanden then you are correct! This travel ink well/pen set has a long history of use and this example dates back to the 17th century! This is possibly the oldest mystery item we’ve featured, so not exactly an easy one to guess.

How many did you get correct? If you can’t get enough of the mystery items then click next page for another hard-to-guess antique item!