I really wish this comm took after Rule 2 of /r/whatisthisthing and disallowed joke comments. Not because "reeee no fun allowed" but because that's already present everywhere else, and it'd facilitate a lot more interesting, useful, unique discussion.
Without hyperbole, that one rule makes /r/whatisthisthing way better than most subreddits, because it doesn't let it just sink into the lowest common denominator like the rest of that shithole has.
I personally don't mind them, yet.
Posts around here don't get that many comments so it is not that hard to ignore them, in a place with as many people as reddit is an absolute necessity a rule like that but here I don't it is a problem, again, yet.
Maybe in the future if it goes beyond an annoyance sometimes and becomes a problem.
If it becomes a problem a compromise could be one automated post for joke comments to go under and all others are banned. You keep the funny, but its contained and easy to skip past.
Ya, I had the same thought. Instead of hanging, this one goes into a rack of some sort for holding multiple pieces. I'm willing to bet this picture was taken next to, or at least very close to, a church. It's probably used to hang vestments or robes.
I was going to suggest it was some kind of gardening tool due to its proximity to what appears to be a garden bed, but was stumped on what exactly you would use it for. This seems like a good theory, but is it useful without a sharp base like the one on your example pic? I guess you could attach a metal bit when you need to, but I don’t see evidence of the kind of wear that implies that on the pic. Maybe it’s only used in very soft gardening soil, but it looks like a nicely made, older one, so you’d think then that there would be a need for some kind of spike if you’re just going to town in your yard instead of using store-bought soil.
Doesn't need an overly sharp base if you break up the soil first. When I planted beetroot I just used a stick to poke holes in the ground.
Less than 10% germinated so it might be a shit method. Moving towards perennials now though so I won't need to buy new seeds, got rhubarb, kale and walking onions.
I think it's upside down, and probably should have a hook for hanging that's located in the middle of the curved section, which is shown in contact with the ground.
But it could also be simply an extention pole for reaching hung garmets that are stored or displayed overhead... Nowadays such extensions are usually just poles with hooks.
Doesn't look like it, It doesn't have the other crossbar at 90 degrees. It does give me spinning wheel vibes though, I bet it does have something to do with yarn.
Doesn't look like it has any features to engage with such a thing. I don't see any obvious bolt holes or empty mortises, so I think we're seeing the complete implement.
Yeah must be a decoration or ceremonial item. Not sure if stage prop counts as ceremonial but that’s my guess given it doesn’t look like it’s beaten up from rough terrain
Yes yes we’re now real archaeologists after alleging an item we don’t know is used for unknown rituals, we already know the joke
It gives me the impression that it upsidedown, it reminds me a coat hanger without the neck in the middle, as it is for holding upright something that drapes from those arms, like a small banner.
There are "valet stands" which are like a floor-mounted coathanger on a pole, on some feet - and some designs look quite a lot like this upside down, but if there's no evidence of holes/bolts etc, I'm not sure how it was attached to feet or a stand - unless perhaps the other end was inserted into a tight hole to hold it in place?
Might be a 1 yard or 1 metre measuring stick that you can walk with. The wheel measures only really work because of tech that can measure a full rotation.
This explanation would also explain the lack of wear because it's not going to be worn down very fsst
It kinda looks like the sort of thing a person would use to clear poker chips or other game pieces off a table or something. It probably isnt, seems a bit big for that.
I wonder if this is one of those things someone made for their own purposes that doesnt actually have a known use at all, because its a completely unique piece.
Lacquered light wood, with intricate details. Too delicate to be a gardening tool. Too scuffed and worn to be ornamental. Also it appears upside down, notice the wear at the top.
That's all I can see. The rest is speculation from me. Possibly we're seeing the leg of something, like an armchair or rocking chair? Maybe a part of a large tool, like something to do with weaving or another workbench?
Looks like a standalone thing, has no connections. Tool or toy.
There's a section that's very clearly not the handle, and a section that in stark contrast, is a handle.
Is made of wood, entirely, and looks quite delicate. For gentler tasks/use.
It's long. So it must be to extend reach from the handle part.
Is entirely curvy without sharp edges, even when looking kind of worn. Designed not to cut or damage.
Handle is simple and round, rather than having ridges or second axis torque. It is not for twisting.
Non-handle end is curved and two-ended, with curves that look like for picking and pulling.
Tips of pulling end are a specific size and surface. Bigger would be stronger but less precise, smaller would be more precise but may risk damage and be weaker. Can imply strength and weight of thing this tool comes into contact with.
Tool-ends are flat, rather than round/dowels. So the thickness of the tool end is precise, with the amount of strength needed from the added width.
It also looks in fairly good condition for how old it looks, but simultaneously has even use wear through the finish. Used, not new, indoor tool.
My best guess is it's a tool meant for grabbing and pulling fabric or thread, with the secondary ability to push without getting caught, maybe on a large table.
Going by the era design and simplicity, it's either from a time or a place with a level of technology that is still relatively simple, a la 1900 USA textiles industry, rather than hyper modern. Or a person, now, who made it themselves and doesn't need anything fancy, or who likes this style (it does have the dark smooth finish).
My guess: garment maker's tool, possibly men's suits/tailor.
92 Comments
Hansae@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 209 pts · 3d
Wood pickaxe, used to gather some stone to get a stone pickaxe.
AnnaFrankfurter@lemmy.ml · 13 pts · 3d
Then once the iron age comes we will create it from iron
TheTechnician27@lemmy.world · 141 pts · 3d
I really wish this comm took after Rule 2 of /r/whatisthisthing and disallowed joke comments. Not because "reeee no fun allowed" but because that's already present everywhere else, and it'd facilitate a lot more interesting, useful, unique discussion.
Without hyperbole, that one rule makes /r/whatisthisthing way better than most subreddits, because it doesn't let it just sink into the lowest common denominator like the rest of that shithole has.
quediuspayu@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 31 pts · 3d
I personally don't mind them, yet.
Posts around here don't get that many comments so it is not that hard to ignore them, in a place with as many people as reddit is an absolute necessity a rule like that but here I don't it is a problem, again, yet.
Maybe in the future if it goes beyond an annoyance sometimes and becomes a problem.
HerbGrower@slrpnk.net · 16 pts · 3d
If it becomes a problem a compromise could be one automated post for joke comments to go under and all others are banned. You keep the funny, but its contained and easy to skip past.
Sergio@piefed.social · 7 pts · 3d
But doctor I have this problem: whenever I'm serious, people think I'm joking, and whenever I'm joking, people think I'm serious.
Alpha71@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 3d
-Pagliacci the clown.
mrbigmouth502@piefed.zip · 2 pts · 2d
How do I upvote a post 100 times?
ianhclark510@lemmy.blahaj.zone · -14 pts · 3d
Ah yes, let’s pollute our nice comfy hangout spot into that racist shithole
What could possibly go wrong? 🙄
athatet@lemmy.zip · 4 pts · 2d
That is not what adding this new rule would do tho?
ianhclark510@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 0 pts · 2d
Well, what effect did those rules have on the platform they originated from?
Hansae@lemmy.dbzer0.com · -32 pts · 3d
Bro wants to turn every com into one with 3 gazillion obscure rules.
TheTechnician27@lemmy.world · 47 pts · 3d
> "Rule: actually try to answer people's questions in a community dedicated to asking questions"
> "bro that's way too obscure for me"
Hansae@lemmy.dbzer0.com · -35 pts · 3d
^ hates fun and whimsy
athatet@lemmy.zip · 2 pts · 2d
Also addressed in the og post.
athatet@lemmy.zip · 3 pts · 2d
He wants one rule. That’s so much less than 3 gazillion.
Exulion@lemmy.world · 93 pts · 3d
You see, it has a flared bottom..
Kowowow@lemmy.ca · 19 pts · 3d
A one legged rocking chair?
vic_rattlehead@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 3d
Cursed comment. Updooted!
CluckN@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 3d
This is some le epic bacon M’lemmite
riot@fedia.io · 74 pts · 3d
Perhaps an antique wooden hanger? But without the hook at the end. Like this: https://wallapop.com/item/percha-antigua-de-madera-1293455579
EDIT: Adding a megalodon archive link, just in case. Just learned today that you can put gyo.tc/ in front of any link. Class!
JeSuisUnHombre@lemmy.zip · 11 pts · 3d
This seems like the most promising answer, what does the end on the ground look like?
Test_Tickles@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 3d
Ya, I had the same thought. Instead of hanging, this one goes into a rack of some sort for holding multiple pieces. I'm willing to bet this picture was taken next to, or at least very close to, a church. It's probably used to hang vestments or robes.
olafurp@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 3d
It does look like it fits the purpose, but why does it have a rounded end, it seems it would be missing legs.
coaxil@lemmy.zip · 4 pts · 3d
Dang,I think you got it
LillyPip@lemmy.ca · 3 pts · 3d
Possibly. It does look similar. To me, it looks more for pushing, not hanging, based on how the wear looks to me. Can’t think of a good use, tho…
MeatPilot@sh.itjust.works · 34 pts · 3d
You slide the pole up your ass and run around pretending to be a wind-up doll. Then ask random strangers to turn it.
FlembleFabber@sh.itjust.works · 19 pts · 3d
This man right here officer
Trex202@lemmy.world · 29 pts · 3d
Gardening Holer
Like this but longer so you don't have to bend over. The lines are for different depths for different plants
BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world · 32 pts · 3d
Wouldn't the varnish be gone at the tip? Would the tip be round-ish? Would the higher depths be thinner? Makes no sense to me
couldhavebeenyou@lemmy.zip · -30 pts · 3d
Cursed comment. Updooted!
Catoblepas@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 13 pts · 3d
I was going to suggest it was some kind of gardening tool due to its proximity to what appears to be a garden bed, but was stumped on what exactly you would use it for. This seems like a good theory, but is it useful without a sharp base like the one on your example pic? I guess you could attach a metal bit when you need to, but I don’t see evidence of the kind of wear that implies that on the pic. Maybe it’s only used in very soft gardening soil, but it looks like a nicely made, older one, so you’d think then that there would be a need for some kind of spike if you’re just going to town in your yard instead of using store-bought soil.
Maybe I’m overthinking it.
tyler@programming.dev · 9 pts · 3d
Also the flat handle would dig in and make it very difficult to push, I don’t think this is it.
HerbGrower@slrpnk.net · 2 pts · 3d
Doesn't need an overly sharp base if you break up the soil first. When I planted beetroot I just used a stick to poke holes in the ground.
Less than 10% germinated so it might be a shit method. Moving towards perennials now though so I won't need to buy new seeds, got rhubarb, kale and walking onions.
Speiser0@feddit.org · 28 pts · 3d
Historians will say it was for religious purposes.
ivanafterall@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3d
Used exclusively among friends, in those times, which were different.
Gerudo@lemmy.zip · 26 pts · 3d
World's largest IUD?
weps@lemmy.world · 23 pts · 3d
It's a clothes hanger. There's a central stick with holes where you put your part in.
My grandma had something similar. She used it as a dildo.
tetris11@feddit.uk · 6 pts · 3d
Yeah, outdoor clothes hangers still function the same way as a solid concrete base with a deep hole that you can plant a staff in
My grandad would bury his rod in there from time to time
weps@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3d
does it have a hole at the part that's on the ground? that's for a hook, to hang it
exaybachae@startrek.website · 21 pts · 3d
I think it's upside down, and probably should have a hook for hanging that's located in the middle of the curved section, which is shown in contact with the ground.
But it could also be simply an extention pole for reaching hung garmets that are stored or displayed overhead... Nowadays such extensions are usually just poles with hooks.
exaybachae@startrek.website · 19 pts · 3d
exaybachae@startrek.website · 10 pts · 3d
exaybachae@startrek.website · 10 pts · 3d
UncleArthur@lemmy.world · 15 pts · 3d
Could it be a niddy noddy?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niddy-noddy
captain_aggravated@sh.itjust.works · 8 pts · 3d
Doesn't look like it, It doesn't have the other crossbar at 90 degrees. It does give me spinning wheel vibes though, I bet it does have something to do with yarn.
grue@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 3d
From the Wikipedia article:
Maybe it's missing its removable crossbar?
captain_aggravated@sh.itjust.works · 4 pts · 3d
Doesn't look like it has any features to engage with such a thing. I don't see any obvious bolt holes or empty mortises, so I think we're seeing the complete implement.
Successful_Try543@feddit.org · 1 pts · 3d
As the shaft is tapered towards the other end, the second crossbar wouldn't hold in place.
ivanafterall@lemmy.world · 13 pts · 3d
Part of a disassembled rocking chair or cradle?
BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 3d
That's my best guess too, I just wonder why the handle would get thinner at the bottom, not the best choice structurally for a cradle
justdaveisfine@piefed.social · 13 pts · 3d
The top part doesn't look worn or have the right grips to be a handle.
My guess is there are holes on the other side not visible to the camera, as its probably only one piece of a large set of furniture.
Maybe part of an old style cradle, like a vintage Jenny Lind style one.
BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 3d
No holes that I could see
fonix232@fedia.io · 0 pts · 3d
Oh, it goes into a hole you usually can’t see…
Praxinoscope@lemmy.zip · 2 pts · 3d
Yeah I was thinking it could be part of a wooden chair or something similar
Davel23@fedia.io · 12 pts · 3d
Apparently, wooden tools are symbols in Royal Arch Masonry.
ggtdbz@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 2 pts · 3d
Yeah must be a decoration or ceremonial item. Not sure if stage prop counts as ceremonial but that’s my guess given it doesn’t look like it’s beaten up from rough terrain
Yes yes we’re now real archaeologists after alleging an item we don’t know is used for unknown rituals, we already know the joke
nullify3112@lemmy.world · 12 pts · 3d
It’s the wooden pick axe in Minecraft
ChonkyOwlbear@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 3d
https://www.countryhomeantiques.co.uk/en-GB/shepherding-antiques/rare-19th-cent-sheep-wash-pole/prod_10888
Maybe a type of pole used to herd sheep?
GreenKnight23@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 3d
we don't talk about grandma's toys.
AwesomeLowlander@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 3d
My, what big toys you have, grandma.
quediuspayu@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 7 pts · 3d
It gives me the impression that it upsidedown, it reminds me a coat hanger without the neck in the middle, as it is for holding upright something that drapes from those arms, like a small banner.
fakeman_pretendname@feddit.uk · 3 pts · 3d
There are "valet stands" which are like a floor-mounted coathanger on a pole, on some feet - and some designs look quite a lot like this upside down, but if there's no evidence of holes/bolts etc, I'm not sure how it was attached to feet or a stand - unless perhaps the other end was inserted into a tight hole to hold it in place?
toiletobserver@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 3d
Ephera@lemmy.ml · 6 pts · 3d
The curvature looks like if you set it onto the ground, you could step forward and it would roll over the right distance, so you can still hold it.
So, maybe a measuring helper (is the curved part perhaps 1m long?) or maybe you'd use it to carve lines into a garden bed, for partitioning.
thatsTheCatch@lemmy.nz · 2 pts · 3d
I was just about to comment the same thing!
Might be a 1 yard or 1 metre measuring stick that you can walk with. The wheel measures only really work because of tech that can measure a full rotation.
This explanation would also explain the lack of wear because it's not going to be worn down very fsst
BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1d
Went back the next day with a measuring tape but it was gone
ApathyTree@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 5 pts · 3d
It kinda looks like the sort of thing a person would use to clear poker chips or other game pieces off a table or something. It probably isnt, seems a bit big for that.
I wonder if this is one of those things someone made for their own purposes that doesnt actually have a known use at all, because its a completely unique piece.
dyslexicdainbroner@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 3d
A rocking-crutch
Zarobi@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 2d
Lacquered light wood, with intricate details. Too delicate to be a gardening tool. Too scuffed and worn to be ornamental. Also it appears upside down, notice the wear at the top.
That's all I can see. The rest is speculation from me. Possibly we're seeing the leg of something, like an armchair or rocking chair? Maybe a part of a large tool, like something to do with weaving or another workbench?
altphoto@lemmy.today · 4 pts · 3d
It's a pik for soft gold mining.
bizarroland@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 3d
Radiusing tool for a giant's guitar
some_kind_of_guy@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3d
A giant's sounding rod
tyra@lemmy.ml · 4 pts · 3d
Maybe something to present or dry shirts, blazers etc.?
Montagge@lemmy.zip · 3 pts · 3d
Almost looks like a shoe horn
tyler@programming.dev · 3 pts · 3d
Maybe just a decorative pickaxe?
Zensate@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 3d
This was a very popular toy for children and youths in the 1800s.
You see, even back then the children yearned for the mines.
SCmSTR@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 3 pts · 2d
Looks like a standalone thing, has no connections. Tool or toy.
There's a section that's very clearly not the handle, and a section that in stark contrast, is a handle.
Is made of wood, entirely, and looks quite delicate. For gentler tasks/use.
It's long. So it must be to extend reach from the handle part.
Is entirely curvy without sharp edges, even when looking kind of worn. Designed not to cut or damage.
Handle is simple and round, rather than having ridges or second axis torque. It is not for twisting.
Non-handle end is curved and two-ended, with curves that look like for picking and pulling.
Tips of pulling end are a specific size and surface. Bigger would be stronger but less precise, smaller would be more precise but may risk damage and be weaker. Can imply strength and weight of thing this tool comes into contact with.
Tool-ends are flat, rather than round/dowels. So the thickness of the tool end is precise, with the amount of strength needed from the added width.
It also looks in fairly good condition for how old it looks, but simultaneously has even use wear through the finish. Used, not new, indoor tool.
My best guess is it's a tool meant for grabbing and pulling fabric or thread, with the secondary ability to push without getting caught, maybe on a large table.
Going by the era design and simplicity, it's either from a time or a place with a level of technology that is still relatively simple, a la 1900 USA textiles industry, rather than hyper modern. Or a person, now, who made it themselves and doesn't need anything fancy, or who likes this style (it does have the dark smooth finish).
My guess: garment maker's tool, possibly men's suits/tailor.
captain_aggravated@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 3d
Is it whatever the hell a "tvare" is? https://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tvare
Lumidaub@feddit.org · 2 pts · 3d
Going via the German entry, Quirl, it's a whisk. I don't think OP's thing is anywhere near the right size.
Techlos@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 2 pts · 3d
possibly a croupier stick? hard to say, doesn't look like a typical one but there's a lot of variance in how they're made
limelight79@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 2d
I think it's a cane.
yakko@feddit.uk · 1 pts · 3d
No idea. Showed the wife, we're stumped. Looks like a piece of a rocking chair but wrong. Is it AI?
BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world · 9 pts · 3d
No no I took the picture today myself
ImgurRefugee114@reddthat.com · 21 pts · 3d
But what if you're AI?
BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world · 11 pts · 3d
What if I'm an advanced AI, walking the streets and wondering what is this thing? You know, for my next captcha
Zier@fedia.io · 2 pts · 3d
Captcha text: "Click all the items that you can't identify."
lichtmetzger@discuss.tchncs.de · 5 pts · 3d
Related
Madison420@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3d
I think it's a stick to help getting up from a rocking chair.
eyelevel@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 3d
GraniteM@lemmy.world · 0 pts · 3d
Looks like it's for ru ru.
melsaskca@lemmy.ca · -1 pts · 2d
It looks like an old "T-Square". It was used for "drafting". /s
bitchkat@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 2d
There is nothing square about that artefact.