Ever stumbled across something so strange you can only laugh and scratch your head? Here’s a collection of the weirdest, wackiest discoveries from thrift stores, sidewalks, and kitchen drawers. These mystery objects might not provide answers, but they sure are fun to guess at!
“Found on Facebook. Silver metal kitchen thing that is spiral shaped and can be squeezed like tongs to 'open.'”
Is this the world’s fanciest slinky or a secret kitchen gadget from the future? The way it opens and closes has my hands itching to play with it—whatever it is, it’s got serious fidget appeal. Just don’t ask me to explain its actual purpose!
It is a duster for flour or powdered sugar.
“Two-part electronic high-pitched noise emitter outside neighbor's door”
Who knew modern mystery could sound so high-pitched? This electronic gadget by the neighbor’s door looks innocent enough until it starts making noise. I’m half-expecting a sci-fi plot twist every time I walk past it.
For those wondering, it's an ultrasonic pest deterrent.
“Found on the sidewalk in Southern California. It’s made out of thin glass. It’s about an inch long. Both ends are rounded. Purple liquid inside. No obvious markings.”
Tiny glass tube, purple liquid, and totally unmarked—it’s like someone dropped a micro potion vial for a mouse. If I found this on the sidewalk, I’d be torn between admiring the color and wondering if I’d stumbled into a spy movie.
Many speculated that it is a glass vial containing a liquid used for chemistry or medicine.
“Foul-smelling gray balls that look like clay.”
Gray, round, and smelling like something died in a swamp—these nasty spheres came out of what I assumed was a harmless container. Bonus: there’s a toothpick in there, just to keep things extra suspicious.
For those wondering, it is natural clay that had gone bad.
“What is this rusty ball and chain we found buried in our front yard?”
Now THIS is a classic! I’ve seen cartoons with less dramatic ball-and-chain props. Dig this up in your yard, and you’ll start believing you’ve found buried pirate loot or a relic from a slapstick prison escape.
Most likely, this was a piece of farming equipment.
“What is this thing I found at the thrift store? Ivory(?Tusk with holes bored in and design”
An ivory tusk covered in holes and covered in mysterious symbols—thrift stores have some wild surprises. I can’t tell if it’s an ancient artifact or someone’s next DIY project, but I kind of want to solve the puzzle either way.
It is a cribbage board made from a walrus tusk.
“Steel object with copper filaments/wiring - Ohio river, SW OH”
Finding this chunk of rusty metal and copper wires by the river feels like unearthing a relic from a mad scientist’s workshop. What did this thing do? And more importantly, what happens if I press the imaginary red button?
According to one Reddit user, "This is almost certainly the inside of an
“Small mug-like object found at my local thrift store.”
Have you ever seen a mug this tiny? The time markings on it make me wonder if it’s for the world’s most precise tea ritual. I think this one is small enough to lose in your pocket but mighty enough to provoke some serious head-scratching.
This is used for measuring ingredients used in holistic medicine.