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15 Forgotten Objects That Left People Stumped

News VA · July 8, 2025 · 0 Comment

Every so often you clean out a closet, open an old trunk, or sort through a relative’s estate and—there it is. A small metal gizmo, a funny-shaped bottle, a tool that looks useful but utterly unfamiliar. You turn it over in your hands and wonder, What on earth did people do with this?

Below are 15 curiosities that recently stumped their finders until someone with a little gray hair—or a knack for sleuthing—supplied the answer. See how many you recognize.

15 Forgotten Objects That Left People Stumped — Until the Truth Was Revealed

Blank spiral notebook – Artist’s sketchbook or idea pad.

Tiny key in a novel – Likely for a locket, diary, or keepsake box.

Hollow ceramic figurines – Hid potpourri, served as ashtrays, or secret banks.

“Potato with holes” – A handmade ocarina (whistle flute).

Logo-stamped tins – Held tobacco, candy, or sewing notions in the Depression era.

Hand-crank gadget – A vintage egg beater.

Glass vials with corks – Reused for home remedies or extracts.

Bent wire hanger – DIY reach tool for lost socks or car locks.

Clay submarine whistle – Child’s musical ocarina toy.

Etched coins – Commemorative tokens from fairs or events.

Grooved wooden dowel – Pastry roller or woodworking grip tool.

Chalk in sewing kit – Tailor’s chalk for marking fabric.

Rusted coil spring – From old mattresses or carriage seats.

Iron hooks in attic – Hall-tree hooks for hats and cloaks.

Wooden pegs in pouch – Dowels for traditional furniture joints.