Today, let us play a small game! Do you know what role these old artifacts served? These perplexing objects, ranging from bizarre technology to unusual ornamental pieces, may perplex you. Don’t worry; try it and see if you can imagine what people in the past did with these wonderful artifacts.

First Item: The Coin Gatherer

First, we have a mixed-metal device with side connections and top slots. Can you recall its previous use?

You are completely accurate in assuming it was a coin collector! Train and bus conductors would place fares into slots and then collect the neatly arranged coins from the bottom. They could connect it to their belts using the side hooks. Surprisingly, a modern replica of this is still in use at a few venues where admission is free. Pretty brilliant, huh?

Item number two is the sand-filled swim cap.

This cap is interesting because it features chin straps, a blue interior, and a feminine printed design. Would you want to guess? Here’s a hint: it has sand inside!

Actually, this unusual headgear is an antique, handcrafted swim hat. People used to like modeling swim hats after the Aviatrix fashion trend in the 1920s. However, home sewers found difficulty locating rubber components. They then created a creative solution: the cap was filled with sand while the channels and threads were machine-sewn.

Why the sand? It serves as a water blocker, enabling swimmers to select their preferred fabric design instead of relying solely on yellow or black rubber. Undoubtedly, an innovative method!

The Iron Flue Damper is item #3.

Now look at this iron thing with two stamps on it. The iron plate swivels around an iron pole with a spiraling end. Any suggestions?

You are correct in assuming it is an iron flue damper! These iron flue dampers are still in use today, despite their rarity. When we go antique shopping, we like discovering one-of-a-kind treasures from the past. It’s like traveling back in time!

The Victorian Shop Dispenser (Item 4)

Admire this metal box’s beveled glass front and intricate gold stenciling. It even has a small sliding door with a picture of a dog. What purpose does it serve?

This elegant box is, in fact, a Victorian-style store dispenser. Designed for bulk sales, it was available in a variety of sizes. This one featured a label insert for gunpowder, but it could also serve as a container for bulk goods such as sugar or sweets. The glass front allowed customers to see the quality of the items they purchased. Why is there an image of dogs hunting? Given the goal of retaining gunpowder only, the image of dogs hunting is merely a decorative touch. This is a pretty intriguing essay, isn’t it?

The Cedar Butter Churn is item number five.

Look at this large wooden drum with a handle, footed base, and lid. There is also a crank on the side. Could you provide any insight into its intended purpose?

This wooden drum is a cedar butter churn. They used it to increase the production of butter. The opposite side reads “Farm Master Dairy Supplies.” However, we were careful not to reveal the details too soon! Knowing about this antique technology takes us back to a simpler time.

The soda bottle stand is item number six.

Examine this three-tier metal stand for a minute. Each layer is cut out with a notch. It is approximately four feet tall and stands on three legs. What was its function, do you suppose?

This booth highlighted Coke bottles, but not just any cola. Nehi designed it specifically to be part of their soda bottle marketing strategy. The bottles, with their convenient necks, fit nicely in the triangular form with the notches. Supermarkets and neighborhood stores featured these stands during the Great Depression. They were quite stunning!

There you have it! These intriguing things take us across time, serving as a reminder of previous generations’ ingenuity and resourcefulness. Then, how many of those were correct estimates?