Kids these days might not know a floppy disk from a Walkman, but it’s up to you to guess what these vintage tools did.
Can You Guess What These Antique Objects Were Used For?
1
/
10
Toy turtle?
This is actually a vintage hand drill, often known as an “eggbeater drill” because its handles are similar to the one on the kitchen tool. Check out these expert tips for scoring the best deal on antiques.
2
/
10
Knick-knack holder?
The top of this antique contraption was used for grinding coffee beans, and the grounds would fall into the drawer below.
3
/
10
Bear trap?
This electricity-free iron would have been filled with hot coals to smooth out wrinkles.
4
/
10
Pencil sharpener?
Old meat grinders clamped to the table then ground meat—and vegetables and nuts, depending on the design. Don’t miss these surprisingly valuable antiques that could be hiding in your home.
5
/
10
Ashtray?
This antique object was a sink for hairdressers. The water would drain through holes in the bowl.
6
/
10
Telescope?
Retro tools called theodolites measured angles when surveying land. Modern versions use GPS technology for more accurate readings. For another fun test of your visual puzzle skills, see if you can identify everyday objects based on their close-up pictures.
7
/
10
Pipe?
Hearing aid, ear trumpet, ear horn—call it what you want, this object would let sound in from the bell to the piece in the ear, amplifying noise for the hard of hearing.
8
/
10
Helmet?
This scary-looking contraption is an antique hairdressing hood, used for drying and setting a new ’do.
9
/
10
Typewriter?
Long before handheld calculators were invented in 1967, mechanical desktop calculators were used to crunch numbers.
10
/
10
Tongs?
This vintage kitchen tool had one specific purpose: grabbing sugar cubes for tea or coffee. Next, get a look at what everyday objects looked like 100 years ago.
