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As time goes on, new inventions and modern technologies render many objects obsolete. However, stumbling upon old and historic artifacts can still be an exciting and intriguing experience. Some objects from days long ago have left people puzzled and confused, turning to online communities like Reddit for answers. Let’s explore 10 popular yet baffling objects that served significant purposes in the past and, in some cases, continue to do so today.
1. The Wooden Box
![](https://readthistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/n9d20gn2bn.jpg)
A wooden box may seem easy to identify, but one particular box had people scratching their heads. Inside were little colorful wooden slats. After seeking help on Reddit, the mystery was unraveled. These seemingly perplexing items are actually Montessori toys designed to teach children about colors and improve their matching skills. With the 22 slats representing 11 different colors, these wooden boxes provide a fun and interactive learning experience.
2. Mystery Objects Revealed
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In Montreal, Canada, someone stumbled upon a bizarre and ancient-looking piece of equipment. Seeking answers on Reddit, they discovered that these mystery objects were, in fact, unexploded artillery rounds. Fortunately, the authorities were notified, and a bomb squad was called in to dispose of them safely.
3. The Tiny Metal Spoon
![](https://readthistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/24bndm3r5dq.jpg)
A tiny metal spoon found by someone left them wondering about its purpose. Reddit users offered various responses, including humorous suggestions about its origins. However, it turns out that this small spoon served a practical role. It was used for cleaning out ear wax or dirt from underneath fingernails, making it a handy tool for personal hygiene.
4. The Enigmatic Building
![](https://readthistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/s0emi8nese.jpg)
In Kerry, Ireland, a peculiar tall brick building caught someone’s attention. While it may have seemed purposeless at first, it was actually part of the railway infrastructure. This building stored water to refill tanks and tenders for the trains. Similar structures can be found worldwide, especially along old or active railway tracks. For example, a functioning water refill station can be seen along the historic train ride from Durango to Silverton, Colorado.
5. Extra Durable Pillow Case Zippers
![](https://readthistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/0rm6izxso0v.jpg)
At hotels, you might come across mystery objects that resemble security tags. These heavy-duty zippers and tags are not for security purposes, but rather to ward off bed bugs. They are designed to prevent these pesky critters from infesting common hotel items like couch cushions or pillows, providing peace of mind for those concerned about germs or bed bugs.
6. Unpleasant-Looking Mystery Objects
![](https://readthistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/paz7ow5lg2.jpg)
A strange-looking metal object found in a grandmother’s basement might give off unpleasant vibes. While some may think it resembles a torture device, its purpose was far less sinister. These objects were actually used for milking cows. Although the details are a bit unpleasant, they served a practical role on farms.
15 Famous People of the Past Whose Depictions Prove That Photoshop Existed, Even in the Nineteenth Century
Photo editing programs have long been a part of our lives, so you can rarely see a photo that hasn’t been retouched. However, it’s wrong to think that Photoshop belongs only to the modern world. People have been improving the looks of their portraits for centuries. That means there were specialists in photo retouching that date all the way back to the nineteenth century. Even painters have worked hard to make models look more beautiful than they really were.
At Bright Side, we searched the archives and found photos of royalty from the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, and we compared them to their portrait paintings. At the end of the article, we’ll show you what Vincent van Gogh really looked like.
Isabella II of Spain (1830 — 1904)
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Mary of Teck, the spouse of George V (1867 — 1953)
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Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the mother of Queen Elizabeth II (1900 — 2002)
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Princess Helena of the United Kingdom (1846 — 1923)
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Victoria, Princess Royal, German Empress (1840 — 1901)
![](https://wl-brightside.cf.tsp.li/resize/728x/jpg/787/086/c789785ea680b01626c93d5a67.jpg)
Charlotte of Belgium (1840 — 1927)
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Sophie of Württemberg, Queen of the Netherlands (1818 — 1877)
![](https://wl-brightside.cf.tsp.li/resize/728x/jpg/f0c/9cc/1f24bf5961b04a0a78081143b1.jpg)
Queen Victoria (1819 — 1901)
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Maria Christina of Austria, Queen-consort of Spain (1858 — 1929)
![](https://wl-brightside.cf.tsp.li/resize/728x/jpg/c56/738/73aca550c3a5a8d9639d48c2e5.jpg)
Maria Luisa of Bourbon-Parma, Princess-consort of Bulgaria (1870 — 1899)
![](https://wl-brightside.cf.tsp.li/resize/728x/jpg/b31/68f/eeaa7f59ba968ddf6397fdf4bf.jpg)
Grand Duchess Elena Vladimirovna of Russia (1882 — 1957)
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Princess Beatrice of the United Kingdom, Queen Victoria’s fifth daughter (1857 — 1944)
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Alexandra Feodorovna, the spouse of Nicholas II of Russia (1872 — 1918)
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Princess Alice of Battenberg, the mother-in-law of Queen Elizabeth II (1885 — 1969)
![](https://wl-brightside.cf.tsp.li/resize/728x/jpg/91b/dbf/b3b064557ebda3e8d9ef07ecf0.jpg)
Alexandra of Denmark, the spouse of Edward VII (1844 — 1925)
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onus: Vincent van Gogh (1853 — 1890)
![](https://wl-brightside.cf.tsp.li/resize/728x/jpg/b7b/b9d/4b867052e0877da8652b0cc85a.jpg)
What do you think about Photoshop? Do you use it often? Tell us in the comments below.
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