18 Enigmatic Objects and Their Surprising Purposes
Throughout history, humans have invented an astonishing variety of tools, devices, and everyday items. But not all of them wear their functions on their sleeves. Some objects leave even the most curious minds baffled—until their true purpose is revealed. Here are 18 mysterious objects that might stump you at first glance but have surprisingly practical, clever, or downright bizarre functions.
1. Victorian Hair Receiver
A small decorative jar with a hole in the lid. What for? Collecting hair from brushes. The saved hair was later used to stuff pincushions or make sentimental jewelry.
2. Ceramic Pillow
Common in ancient China, these hard, ornately painted headrests weren’t for comfort—they were thought to preserve hairstyles and promote good health.
3. Niddy Noddy
Looks like an odd wooden dumbbell, but it’s actually a tool for winding yarn into skeins and measuring length. Essential for spinners and weavers.
4. Bakelite Tester
A peculiar pocket tool with a prong—used by early radio technicians to test whether materials were made of genuine Bakelite plastic.
5. Coffin Torpedo
Yes, really. In the 19th century, some feared grave robbing so much that they installed booby traps in coffins. Triggering the torpedo could injure would-be body snatchers.
6. Glass Fire Grenade
These fragile, liquid-filled orbs were early fire extinguishers. Thrown into flames, the liquid would suppress fire—though they were sometimes filled with carbon tetrachloride, a toxic chemical.
7. Stereoscope Viewer
Resembling binoculars on a stick, this early VR device displayed side-by-side photos to create a 3D illusion. It was Victorian entertainment at its finest.
8. Darning Egg
A smooth, egg-shaped object placed inside socks to provide a solid surface for repairing holes. It made mending a lot easier and faster.
9. Scold’s Bridle
A disturbing historical artifact—an iron mask used to punish and silence women accused of gossiping or speaking out. A grim reminder of gender-based oppression.
10. Coin-Sorting Cane
Looks like an elegant walking stick—but twist it open, and inside is a set of tubes for sorting and storing coins. Ideal for wealthy Victorians on the go.
11. Whale Baleen Corset Busk
Stiff, flat, and slightly curved, these strips were sewn into corsets to maintain posture. Made from whale bone, they were also sometimes intricately carved as love tokens.
12. Butter Stamp
Before branded packaging, homemade butter was pressed with ornate wooden stamps to mark family ownership or just to decorate.
13. Tontine Coffee Pot
A clever invention for communal coffee drinkers. It had a central tube that let people pour coffee without disturbing the grounds at the bottom.
14. Jade Burial Suit
Used in ancient China’s Han dynasty, these ceremonial suits were made from thousands of jade tiles sewn together with gold or silver thread to protect royalty in the afterlife.
15. Puzzle Jug
A medieval drinking vessel with holes in the neck. The trick? You had to drink from a hidden spout while covering specific holes to prevent spills. Part party game, part pub challenge.
16. Codd-Neck Bottle
A fizzy drink bottle sealed with a marble. Press the marble to open it, and it would seal again when shaken—used for carbonated drinks in the 19th century.
17. Thumb Piano (Mbira)
An exotic, beautiful wooden box with metal tines sticking out—this African musical instrument is played by plucking the tines with your thumbs, producing hypnotic melodies.
18. Chadburn Telegraph
You’ve seen it in old ship movies—a circular dial with a lever. It didn’t control the ship’s speed directly but sent mechanical messages from the bridge to the engine room.
Conclusion
The next time you come across a strange object in an antique shop, attic, or museum, consider that what seems bizarre today may have been perfectly practical—or even essential—centuries ago. These 18 objects remind us that human creativity is as puzzling as it is profound.