16 Strange Finds the Internet Actually Managed to Identify
Ever stumbled across something so random, so oddly specific, that it made you question whether it even belonged in this reality?
You’re not alone. The web is full of curious souls who uncover bizarre objects in attics, garages, thrift stores—and then turn to the collective detective squad of Reddit to figure out just what the heck they’re looking at.
From vintage accessories to long-forgotten household tools, these 16 odd finds had Reddit scratching its head—until the mystery was cracked.
“Looks like a silky donut with ribbons—what’s it for?”
That’s a satin hanger cover. The hole slides over a wooden hanger and the ribbons tie it in place to keep delicate clothing from slipping.
“Found a small metal gadget with red glass beads. Spring-loaded. Tongs?”
Nope—it’s actually an old razor blade sharpener. Functional, a little dangerous, and definitely vintage.
“Heavy glass dishes with flower patterns—are these fancy ashtrays?”
Close, but not quite. They’re vintage caster cups used under piano or furniture legs to protect hardwood floors.
“This plastic doodad was in a kitchen drawer. Looks like nothing.”
That’s a measuring cup holder! It clips inside a cabinet or drawer to keep your measuring tools organized and in reach.
“Above my son’s top bunk is this weird metal frame. Alien tech?”
Try Buzz Lightyear décor. It’s part of a themed bed set meant to hold a canopy overhead.
“Tiny brown pellets under the pillow. We have cats—but this isn’t litter.”
Don’t worry—it’s not bugs. Likely old foam beads leaking from inside the mattress or pillow stuffing.
“A 30-pound chain with glass spheres. Found in a garden shed.”
That’s a rain chain! It guides rainwater from the roof like a decorative, gravity-powered water feature.
“A bowl… with a hole at the bottom? That can’t be right.”
It’s totally right if you’re forcing flower bulbs. These help bulbs root in water while staying dry at the top.
“Found this in a box of costume jewelry. Chain with a slidey disc.”
A vintage watch chain for ladies—once used to display and carry small pocket watches in style.
“Our neighbor pointed this at our yard. Looks like a mini cam.”
It’s actually an ultrasonic animal repellent—flashing lights and high-pitched sounds keep pets out.
“Compact locket with a mirror and something that spins inside?”
That’s a vintage powder compact! The spinner was probably for a puff or powder refill system.
“Tiny gold-plated device with a short cord and horse engraving. Found in a donation bin.”
It’s a mid-century Beltone hearing aid. The clip was for attaching it to a tie or shirt.
“Weird cubbies in our dorm hallway. Original to the 1969 building.”
You’re looking at old-school phone booths—designed for private landline calls in the pre-cellphone days.
“Rocket-shaped metal stand. Found in an old bar set.”
It’s a cocktail tool stand. Each utensil—strainer, opener, stirrer—slots neatly into place.
“Brick pillar in the woods. About 5 feet tall.”
Probably a historic boundary marker, used to denote property lines or the edge of a housing development.
“Tennis racket on a chain? With a hanging ball?”
That’s a net tension tester. Used to make sure tennis nets are the correct height with just the right amount of sag.
Ever Found Something and Thought, “What Even Is This?”
If any of these once-mysterious objects rang a bell—or live somewhere in your garage or junk drawer—you’re not alone. From hearing aids disguised as tie clips to furniture savers hiding under pianos, the internet has an uncanny knack for solving even the weirdest of object mysteries.
So the next time you dig up a bizarre metal contraption, a ceramic thing with holes, or a chain with balls that’s clearly not jewelry, don’t throw it out. Snap a pic, ask around, and join the ranks of accidental archaeologists turning Reddit into the world’s biggest lost-and-found.
