Strange objects in antique shops, found during a cleaning session or dug up, "gifts" when moving into a new house, curiosities we see every day... if you don't know exactly what it is and need to find out to satisfy your curiosity, then you should take a photo and share it in the WhatIsThisThing subreddit. Each post is a new challenge, and there are more than a million people looking...
Of course, the story doesn't end there. Many people want to identify insects or plants, ask about problems in their homes (mold and stains are the most common topics), correctly read military decorations, recognize types of clouds, and more. Some of the posts are a real show, and force moderators to intervene. Others end up revealing very dark situations, as the user discovers they have more serious problems (someone tried to break into their house, they're being cheated on, they're being spied on, etc.).
How to identify objects with a photo
As always, throwing yourself into the jaws of a subreddit carries certain risks, but the community of WhatIsThisThing is very calm and respectful compared to other corners of the aggregator. If you've exhausted all your options and can ask a couple of questions in English, don't hesitate to give it a try. Maybe the answer is simpler than you imagine. Would you like to see some positive identifications...?
A .50 BMG caliber bullet: Before 1980
Training airplane: For the fire brigade.
A logbook: In a fairly decent state.
Rope-making head: Apparently, not even the museum knew
Meat traceability chip: This should NOT end up in your food...
Creatonotos gangis: A male looking for a mate, to be precise...
Venom extractor / nipple suction: It depends on who answers
Voice recorder: the poster discovered that her boyfriend was spying on her. The story doesn't end well.
Termite indicator: The faster they are detected, the better
Marine location marker: The authorities had it exploded just in case
Maschinengewehr 42: Hitler's Saw
Philippine pesos issued by Japan: During their occupation in World War II
A Navajo pin: Technically, it's a sauvastika
Candlestick: Apparently of Danish origin
An "egg breaker": I'm not lying.
Snow walking support: It's placed over footwear
Cannabis grinder: Or a very colorful way to chop herbs
Crookes tube: Ideal for demonstrating cathode rays
Mechanical voids: A trick to avoid local regulations and make buildings taller
Wireless personal female entertainment: It uses two AA batteries
