Let’s play a little game today! Can you guess what these old-timey objects were used for? From peculiar tools to unique decorative items, these mystery objects might leave you scratching your head. But don’t worry, give it a try and see if you can imagine what people from past generations did with these intriguing items.

Guessing Game: Can You Identify These Mysterious Objects?
Item #1: The Coin Collector

This first item is made of mixed metals and has slots on the top and connectors on the sides. Any idea what it was used for back in the day?\

If you thought it was a coin collector, you’re absolutely right! Train and bus conductors used to drop the fares into the slots, and then they could retrieve the neatly stacked coins from the bottom. The hooks on the sides allowed them to attach it to their belts. Surprisingly, a modern version of this is still used in a few places where payment is not required upon entry. Pretty clever, right?

Let’s move on to the next one!
Item #2: The Sand-Filled Swim Cap

Here’s an interesting cap with a feminine printed design, lined in blue, and chin straps. Care to take a guess? And here’s a hint – it’s filled with sand!

This unusual cap is actually an early handmade swim cap. Back in the 1920s, people loved to model swim caps after the popular aviatrix style. But rubber materials were hard to come by for home sewers. So they came up with a creative solution – channels and stitching were machine-sewn, and the cap was filled with sand. Why sand? Well, it acts as a water blocker, allowing swimmers to choose their own fabric design instead of being limited to black or yellow rubber. Definitely a unique approach!

Let’s see if you can figure out the next one!
Now, take a look at this iron piece with stamping on both sides. The iron plate swivels along an iron post with a spiraled end. Any ideas?

If you thought it was an iron flue damper, you’re spot on! These iron flue dampers are still in use today, although we rarely see them. Antique shopping gives us the joy of discovering interesting objects that are part of our history. It’s like stepping back in time!

Moving on to the next mystery item!
Feast your eyes on this metal box with ornate gold stenciling and a beveled glass front. It even has a small sliding door with a picture of some dogs. What do you think it was used for?

This elegant box is actually a Victorian shop dispenser. It was designed for selling goods in bulk and came in various sizes. In this particular one, it had a label insert for gunpowder, but it could have been used for sugar, candy, or other bulk commodities as well. The glass front allowed customers to see the quality of the goods they were purchasing. And why the picture of hunting dogs? Well, it’s just a decorative touch because the intention was to store gunpowder only. Quite an interesting piece, isn’t it?

Let’s move on to the next mystery!