People Seek Help Identifying Bizarre Objects, Some Are Truly Odd

Although the internet isn't always a source of truth, it remains a valuable reference point for many. Reddit, in particular, hosts a plethora of subreddits catering to various interests and queries, including those seeking advice on peculiar objects. Here are ten instances of bizarre items that have left people puzzled.

1. Strange Objects at the Beach

People Seek Help Identifying Bizarre Objects, Some Are Truly Odd

In a curious discovery a few years back at Nags Beach in North Carolina, a peculiar glass-like tube was stumbled upon. Seeking to unravel the mystery, the finder turned to Reddit for assistance. Suggestions poured in, with some proposing that it could be stingray teeth. These tooth-like structures are shed by stingrays, a fact that surprised many users. While the explanation seemed plausible, the audacity of the finder to investigate firsthand garnered equal attention. "Freaks me out that you would put your finger in it.. shudder," they wrote.

2. Strange Objects Can Be Useful

People Seek Help Identifying Bizarre Objects, Some Are Truly Odd

Shared by a homeowner who recently acquired a lake property, the image above depicts three enigmatic objects described as a "Criss-Cross Stack of Corrugated Pipes." Cloaked in plastic netting and anchored with bricks, these structures are known as fish cribs. Their purpose is twofold: providing shelter for young fish to evade predators and luring larger fish seeking to prey on the smaller ones.

3. Strange Objects Can Be Lethal

People Seek Help Identifying Bizarre Objects, Some Are Truly Odd

Another Reddit user shared this fuzzy-looking growth discovered in their home, expressing bewilderment at its appearance. Despite its whimsical appearance reminiscent of a children's story, the reality is far more concerning—it turned out to be a highly toxic form of mold. However, this diagnosis remains unconfirmed.

"Years ago, when my daughter was a newborn and upstairs apartment also had a newborn and they were constantly sick. Long story short, the upstairs baby boy passed away from a toxic mold [just like that which grew in the vents.] The coroner said if a healthy body builder huge man touched a piece of that mold it's 9/10 fatal." A concerned user advised the original poster to take precautions for their health and consult a doctor. Fortunately, the OP later updated the thread, confirming that it was indeed mold and that their landlord had addressed the issue promptly. They reassured others that no further concerns had arisen since.

4. Sunshine In A Sphere

People Seek Help Identifying Bizarre Objects, Some Are Truly Odd

This peculiar yet aesthetically pleasing object is identified as a Campbell-Stokes sunshine recorder. Functioning by scorching a "track" onto a card, it records both the hours of sunlight and the intensity of the sunshine.

5. Potentially Harmful, Definitely Repulsive

People Seek Help Identifying Bizarre Objects, Some Are Truly Odd

A disconcerting response to an inquiry sheds light on the cleanliness practices—or lack thereof—at food establishments, particularly fast food outlets and gas stations. A commenter, who had professional experience cleaning and servicing food and beverage machines, provided insights. They revealed that many eateries and gas stations neglect regular cleaning of their ice machines. Urging caution, they advised the original poster to avoid consuming ice from such establishments. Additionally, they explained that a clear slime indicates recent cleaning, which gradually turns pink and eventually black over time. This cautionary tale underscores the importance of exercising vigilance when encountering unfamiliar objects, especially in food-related settings.

6. Torture Device Or Confectioner's Dream

People Seek Help Identifying Bizarre Objects, Some Are Truly Odd

While resembling a torture device or perhaps a tool for home improvement, this contraption is actually quite the opposite—it's a device for creating spun sugar, a source of joy and delight.

7. Seemingly Mystical Strange Objects

People Seek Help Identifying Bizarre Objects, Some Are Truly Odd

The mystery behind the purple smoke emanating from this chimney isn't as enchanting as a fairy tale. It's potentially hazardous, according to one Reddit user, who explained that the purple hue results from burning "rubbish" containing high levels of iodine.

8. Strange Objects Resemble Machines of the Past

People Seek Help Identifying Bizarre Objects, Some Are Truly Odd

Described by the original poster as a "black steel briefcase with a motor," this vintage machine also features an infeed control and an electrical connection. Speculations abound, with suggestions ranging from an old key cutter to its purpose. Despite uncertainties, the consensus leans towards its historical use as a key cutter. "Could be an old key cutter but don't know for sure." One commentor shared. While another agreed, "portable key-cutter. Yeah, I'm thinking that the bit at the top left is the bracket that holds the keys. It gets moved to the post at the bottom right."

However, a tool that would help polish other tools was also suggested. "The spinning wheel is a polishing disk; the hole is for a stick of polishing compound. The tool rest in the upper left comes off and slides onto the post to the right of the wheel. The adjustment is a very fine adjustment for the angle of the wheel," one user explained. Another thought the same, offering a more thorough explanation, "Agreed; the jig holding the carbide lathe bit definitely mounts onto the post to the right of the small spinning wheel and allows achieving the very precise combinations of angles needed to form the correct tool bit geometry." They commented, explaining that the tool was probably from the 40s or 50s.

9. Spoons can be Strange Objects Too

People Seek Help Identifying Bizarre Objects, Some Are Truly Odd

Despite some speculating that this peculiar object resembles a spoon, its jagged edge perplexed many. Various suggestions were offered, including it being a "cucumber server," "berry spoon," or "seafood spoon." However, unanimity prevails in its connection to food, with research revealing it to be a Vintage Rogers & Hamilton Cucumber Server.

10. Mysterious And Practical

People Seek Help Identifying Bizarre Objects, Some Are Truly Odd

Seeking answers about a mysterious object belonging to their grandmother, the original poster turned to Reddit. While her grandmother remained unsure of its purpose, one insightful commenter suggested it was a stock dispenser, historically used to store dry goods like coffee or grains. Reflecting on its past role in storing dog food, the commenter humorously recommended a thorough wash before repurposing it for coffee.