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!

Item #3: The Iron Flue Damper

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!

Item #4: The Victorian Shop Dispenser

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!

Item #5: The Cedar Butter Churn

Look at this large wooden drum with a lid, handle, and a footed base. It even has a crank on the side. Any thoughts on its purpose?

This wooden drum is actually a cedar butter churn. It was used to make larger quantities of butter. On the other side, it reads “Farm Master Dairy Supplies.” But we didn’t want to give it away too easily! Learning about these old-fashioned tools really takes us back to a time when things were simpler.

And lastly, the final mystery item!

Item #6: The Soda Bottle Stand

Take a moment to examine this metal stand with three tiers, each with notches cut out of them. It stands on three legs and is about 4 feet tall. Can you guess what it was used for?

This stand was designed as a display for soda bottles, but not just any soda. It was specifically created by Nehi for their soda bottles as part of their marketing strategies. The triangular shape and notches were perfect for holding the bottles with their convenient necks. Back in the days of the Depression, you could find these stands in corner shops and grocery stores. They were quite a sight!

And there you have it! These mystery items take us on a journey through time, reminding us of the ingenuity and creativity of past generations. So, how many did you guess correctly?