There is no doubt that some objects define eras. However, in the times we currently live in, things go by so fast that even objects from just a few decades ago might be unrecognizable to people today. That is why we’ve rounded up a collection of old-school items that will have today’s young folks scratching their heads in confusion From clunky gadgets to bizarre contraptions, get ready for a blast from the past as we reveal these vintage gems that might as well be alien for most people today. Are you ready to take a trip back to the past? If so, buckle up, because we’re about to unlock the secrets of a time long gone!
“Church keys” were devices used to open cans of beer or soda.
Church keys were devices used to open cans of beer or soda before the advent of pull tabs or pop tops. They featured a pointed end for piercing the can lid and a hooked end for lifting the lid and creating a drinking hole. They were commonly referred to as “church keys” due to their resemblance to traditional church keys used to open doors.
Before electronic payment systems, credit card imprinters were used to create physical imprints of credit card information on carbon copy sales slips.
Credit card imprinters, also known as “zip-zap machines,” were used to create physical imprints of credit card information on carbon copy sales slips. Before electronic payment systems became widespread, merchants would place a customer’s credit card on the imprinter and press down, transferring the raised numbers onto the slip. This provided a record of the transaction and served as proof of payment.
“The Clapper” was a 1980s sound-activated switch that allowed users to control the lights by clapping their hands.
The Clapper was a popular household device in the 1980s. It was a sound-activated switch that allowed users to control their lights or other appliances by clapping their hands. By plugging a lamp or other electrical device into The Clapper and setting the desired sound sensitivity, users could turn it on or off simply by clapping, providing a convenient and novel way to control their home electronics.
Record adapters allowed records to spin correctly no matter the turntable.
Record adapters, also known as “spindle adapters” or “45 adapters,” were used to play 45 RPM vinyl records on turntables with larger-sized spindles designed for 33 1/3 RPM records. These adapters were typically small, cylindrical devices that fit over the turntable’s spindle, providing a smaller hole that matched the center hole of the 45 RPM record. This allowed the record to spin properly and play on the turntable without slipping or wobbling.
It might seem strange, but this is what electric toasters looked like not so long ago.
Old electric toasters used a heating element and a mechanical lever system. When the bread was placed in the slots and the lever was pressed down, the heating element would heat up and toast the bread. Once the desired toasting level was reached or the lever was lifted, the heating element would cool down, completing the toasting process.
Typewriter erasers were specifically designed for removing pencil or carbon ink markings from paper.
Typewriter erasers were used to correct mistakes made while typing on a typewriter. They were small, rectangular erasers specifically designed for removing pencil or carbon ink markings from paper. When a typist made an error, they would use the eraser to remove the unwanted characters or smudges, allowing them to retype the correct characters in their place without having to start over with a fresh sheet of paper.
Milk doors were small access points in houses commonly used by milkmen to deliver fresh milk directly into homes.
Milk doors, also known as milk chutes or milk delivery doors, were small access points in houses commonly found in the early to mid-20th century. They were used for milk delivery services, allowing milkmen to deliver fresh milk directly into homes without entering the premises. The doors were connected to a chute that led to an exterior compartment where milk bottles could be safely stored until retrieved by homeowners.
Skate keys were small metallic tools that allowed skaters to adjust their roller skates.
Getty Images/Stockbyte/ Arthur S. Aubry
Skate keys were small metal tools used to adjust roller skates. They had a hexagonal or square-shaped opening that fit over the axle nuts of the skate wheels. By turning the skate key, the nuts could be tightened or loosened, allowing for adjustments to the skate’s wheel tightness or removing the wheels for maintenance. Skate keys were essential for maintaining and customizing roller skates for a better skating experience.
Used in some cameras in the 1980s, disc films consisted of an enclosed plastic disc, with the negatives arranged around the disc’s center.
Disc films were a type of compact film format used in some cameras in the 1980s. The film was circular in shape and enclosed in a plastic disc, with the negatives arranged around the disc’s center. When the camera was loaded, the disc would rotate to expose each frame. After taking photos, the disc was sent for processing, and the developed negatives were mounted onto prints or slides.
“Typeballs” were a key component of IBM typewriters. When a typist pressed a key, the typewriter’s mechanism would rotate and position the right character on the typeball facing the paper.
A typeball was a key component of IBM Selectric typewriters. It was a spherical element containing all the characters, letters, numbers, and symbols. When a typist pressed a key, the typewriter’s mechanism would rotate and position the correct character on the typeball facing the paper. As the typeball struck the ink ribbon, it would leave an impression of the selected character on the paper, allowing for accurate and efficient typing.
“HitClips” was a digital audio player that played low-fidelity mono one-minute clips of teen pop hits from exchangeable cartridges.
Hit Clips were small, portable digital audio players introduced in the late 1990s. They were designed to play short, pre-recorded clips of popular songs. Users could purchase individual Hit Clips cartridges, each containing a specific song, and insert them into the player. The clips usually lasted for about a minute, allowing listeners to enjoy a snippet of their favorite tunes on the go.
Introduced in the 1990s, mini disc players were small portable audio devices used for playing recorded audio.
MiniDisc players were portable audio devices introduced in the 1990s. They utilized mini discs, small optical discs encased in protective cartridges. They were used for playing recorded audio, similar to cassette tapes or CDs. MiniDiscs offered features like track skipping, rewinding, and easy editing. They were popular for personal music listening, and recording, and offered a compact and rewritable alternative to other formats at the time.
Before electronic calculators were a thing, students used “slide rules”.
Slide rules were mechanical calculation tools used for performing mathematical calculations before the advent of electronic calculators. Consisting of a ruler-like device with logarithmic scales, they allowed users to perform multiplication, division, logarithms, and more. By aligning numbers and sliding the rule, calculations could be made quickly and accurately. Slide rules were commonly used by engineers, scientists, and students for various mathematical and scientific calculations.
Tube testers could be found in every drug store in the 1950s and 1960s. They tested the functionality of electron tubes, which were integral components in early electronic equipment.
RCA tube testers were electronic devices used to test the functionality of vacuum tubes, also known as electron tubes or valves, which were integral components in early electronic equipment. These testers allowed users to check if tubes were functioning properly, measure their characteristics, and identify faulty or weak tubes. They were especially popular during the 1950s and 1960s.
A Ralta hair dryer from 1958.
The 1958 Ralta hair dryer featured a design that was typical for its era. It would have likely had a cylindrical or boxy shape with a handle for easy grip and maneuverability. The body of the dryer was typically made of sturdy materials such as plastic or metal, while the handle might have had a textured or ribbed surface for better grip. The dryer would have had a nozzle at the front for directing the airflow, and it might have included chrome accents or decorative elements to enhance its visual appeal.
Particularly popular in the 1950s, Cookie presses, were kitchen gadgets used to create decorative and uniformly shaped cookies.
Particularly popular in the 1950s, Cookie presses, were kitchen gadgets used to create decorative and uniformly shaped cookies. They typically consisted of a cylindrical tube with interchangeable discs at the end, allowing the dough to be pressed through and formed into various shapes. People saw them as a convenient and efficient way to make intricately designed cookies for special occasions or holiday baking.
“Gossip Benches” consisted of a small bench or seat with a built-in attached table or shelf. They allowed people to comfortably have long telephone conversations while resting their elbows on the table.
Gossip benches, also known as telephone gossip benches or telephone tables, were popular pieces of furniture in the mid-20th century. They typically consisted of a small bench or seat with a built-in attached table or shelf. The design allowed individuals to comfortably sit and have telephone conversations while resting their elbows on the table. Gossip benches were a common feature in households before the widespread use of cordless phones and mobile devices.
Popular in the 1980s and 1990s, the “flip flash” was a disposable flat device containing a single-use flashbulb that people would attach to their camera for additional lighting.
The “flip flash” was a disposable flash unit used in photography during the film era. It was a small, flat device containing a single-use flashbulb. The flip flash was attached to the camera and manually flipped or rotated to activate the flash for additional lighting in low-light situations. It was highly popular in the 1980s and 1990s before being largely replaced by electronic flash units.
Green stamps were a type of trading stamp given out as rewards by various retailers. They were extremely popular from the 1930s to the 1980s.
Green stamps were a type of trading stamps that were popular in the US from the 1930s to the 1980s. They were given out as rewards by various retailers, such as grocery stores and gas stations, based on the amount of money spent by customers. These stamps could be collected and redeemed for a wide range of merchandise from catalogs or dedicated redemption centers, including household items, toys, appliances, and more.
Not so long ago, cars had devices that provided a heat source for lighting cigarettes or cigars.
Car cigarette lighters were devices found in automobiles that provided a heat source for lighting cigarettes or cigars. They were commonly used before the decline in smoking and the recognition of health risks associated with smoking. As public attitudes towards smoking changed, and cigarette consumption decreased, car manufacturers shifted focus toward more versatile power outlets and USB ports, rendering car cigarette lighters less relevant.
These silver objects are actually needle threaders, and they simplify the task of threading a needle accurately.
Needle threaders are tools used in sewing and needlework. They consist of a thin wire loop attached to a handle. Needle threaders are designed to help guide the thread through the eye of a needle, making the threading process easier, especially for individuals with visual impairments or those working with fine or delicate threads. They save time and frustration by simplifying the task of threading a needle accurately.
Introduced in the 1970s, Sharp pocket computers were handheld devices designed for performing mathematical calculations and other numerical functions.
Sharp pocket computers were compact electronic devices introduced by Sharp Corporation in the 1970s. They were designed for performing mathematical calculations and other numerical functions and featured small LCD displays, numerical keypads, and basic mathematical operations. Sharp’s pocket computers were portable and affordable, and they revolutionized the calculation capabilities available to individuals and professionals alike.
A pair of full-length female gloves. Not so long ago, women would wear long gloves that extended beyond the elbow for formal occasions.
Full-length gloves for women were particularly popular from the 1920s to the 1960s. They were often worn as formal or elegant accessories for special occasions and formal events. However, their popularity gradually declined from the 1960s onwards as fashion trends shifted towards more casual and less formal attire.
Film canisters were cylindrical containers used to store and protect rolls of photographic film. They were super popular until the rise of digital photography.
Film canisters were cylindrical containers used to store and protect rolls of photographic film. They provided a light-tight environment to prevent exposure of the film to light, which could ruin the images. They were most popular during the analog film era, which spanned several decades from the early 20th century until the rise of digital photography in the 2000s. They were essential for storing and transporting film rolls for both amateur and professional photographers.
A mid-1930s fire extinguisher grenade.
Vintage fire extinguisher grenades were glass or ceramic containers filled with a fire-suppressing chemical. When thrown at a fire, they shattered and released the chemical, smothering the flames by depriving them of oxygen. They were often used to combat small fires but have been largely replaced by more advanced fire extinguisher systems due to health and environmental concerns.
A reusable shopping list from the 1920s.
Reusable shopping lists from the 1920s were typically made of durable materials like cardboard or metal. They consisted of a list of common grocery items printed or engraved on the surface. Users could check off the items they needed by pushing the arrows on each side. The list could be reused for future shopping trips, saving paper and simplifying the process of creating a shopping list.
Sanitary belts were used by women from the 1920s to the 1960s to hold their sanitary pads.
A women’s sanitary belt was a device used by women from the 1920s to the 1960s to hold sanitary pads in place during menstruation. It typically consisted of an adjustable belt with hooks or snaps to secure the pad. However, modern menstrual products like adhesive pads and menstrual cups have largely replaced the need for sanitary belts.
Believe it or not, this is what some remote controls looked like not so long ago.
It might sound hard to believe, but this is an example of what a TV remote looked like back in the 1950s. It sold for $9.95 and came in ivory or mahogany. According to the instructions, users had to take off the back of the television and splice the remote wires into the speaker wires. The remote only allowed control of the television’s sound.
Introduced in the late 1970s, “Merlin” was a handheld electronic device that featured a range of interactive games and puzzles.
Introduced in the late 1970s and popularized in the 1980s, “Merlin” was a handheld electronic device that featured a range of interactive games and puzzles. It consisted of a rectangular-shaped unit with a grid of buttons and a small display. Players could engage in various activities such as playing memory games, solving puzzles, creating music, and challenging themselves with pattern-based games like Tic-Tac-Toe and Blackjack.
Schermack stamp vending machines were a type of mechanical device used in the early to mid-20th century to dispense postage stamps.
Schermack stamp vending machines were a type of mechanical device used in the early to mid-20th century to dispense postage stamps. These machines were typically found in post offices or other public places. Users would insert coins into the machine, and it would dispense a specific denomination of postage stamps, allowing for convenient purchase and immediate access to stamps for sending mail. They played a role in facilitating postal transactions and improving customer convenience during that era.
In the 1960s punch cards were used in offices for data storage and processing. Each card had a series of holes punched into specific positions to represent data.
In the 1960s, punch cards were used in offices for data storage and processing. Each card had a series of holes punched into specific positions to represent data. The cards were read by machines called card readers, which passed them through sensors that detected the holes. This allowed the computer to process the encoded data, performing tasks such as data analysis, calculations, and record-keeping in office environments.
In the 1960s condoms were rolled up and sold inside tin boxes.
Back in the1960s, tin boxes were a common packaging choice for condoms, providing a durable and discreet container to protect the condoms. The tin boxes often featured branding or labeling related to the condom brand and were designed to be easily carried in pockets or purses.
Manually operated meat grinders were commonly found in American kitchens back in the day.
Meat grinders in the 1950s typically operated manually. They consisted of a hand-cranked mechanism attached to a grinding attachment. The user would place chunks of meat into the hopper, turn the crank, and the meat would pass through the grinder, getting minced or ground as it moved through the rotating blades, ultimately coming out as ground meat from the other end.
In the past, some tea cups were designed with a small spout-like protrusion known as a “mustache guard” to keep men’s mustaches dry.
Certain antique tea cups were designed with a small spout-like protrusion known as a “mustache guard”. The purpose of this design feature was to provide a barrier between the hot liquid in the cup and the mustache of the person drinking from it, preventing the mustache from getting wet or stained. The mustache guard had a small opening that allowed the person to sip the tea without the liquid coming into direct contact with their mustache.
In the 1960s dictaphones were commonly used in offices for audio recording and transcription. The recordings were then handed over to typists who transcribed the dictations.
In the 1960s, dictaphones were commonly used in offices for audio recording and transcription. Dictaphones consisted of a portable handheld device with a built-in microphone. Users would speak into the microphone, and the device would record their voice onto small reel-to-reel tapes or cassette tapes. These recordings were then handed over to typists who transcribed the dictations, aiding in efficient correspondence and documentation within office environments.
Mercurochrome was a topical antiseptic commonly used to clean and treat cuts, abrasions, and minor skin injuries. It was discontinued due to concerns about its mercury content.
Particularly popular from the 1930s to the 1960s, Mercurochrome was a topical antiseptic solution used for minor wound care. It contained merbromin, which had antiseptic and disinfectant properties. The solution had a bright red-orange color and was applied to the affected area. However, due to concerns about its mercury content, Mercurochrome has been largely discontinued and replaced with alternative antiseptic products.
Some houses had a “shoe scraper” by the door so people could clean the mud off their soles before entering.
Shoe scrapers were metal or bristle devices mounted on the ground near the entrance. They were used to scrape off dirt, mud, and debris from the soles of shoes before entering the house. The shoe scrapers helped keep the interior cleaner by preventing the tracking of dirt and grime inside the home.
A felt and carbon brush for cleaning vinyl records.
The Vivanco Audio Brush was a cleaning accessory specifically designed for vinyl records. It was a soft brush with fine carbon fibers that effectively removed dust and static from the record’s surface. The brush was gently run along the grooves of the vinyl, dislodging particles and reducing static electricity buildup. This helped improve sound quality by minimizing surface noise and enhancing the overall playback experience. The device was very popular tool among vinyl enthusiasts back in the 1970s.
Many vintage home radiators had a series of metal plaques to warm up plates.
Plate wormers were devices used in vintage radiators to increase their heating efficiency. They consisted of a series of metal plates attached to the radiator fins. Hot water or steam circulated through the plates, warming them up. This heat transfer method enhanced the surface area available for heat exchange, improving the overall performance of the radiator and ensuring more effective heating in buildings.
Old blenders operated very similarly to the ones today but looked quite different.
While the core functionality remained the same throughout the years, blenders in the 1950s had a more vintage aesthetic compared to modern designs. They typically featured a classic, boxy shape with a glass or metal container and a chrome or metal base. The controls were usually simple switches or knobs.
Phonograph cylinders were the precursors to the more common vinyl records.
Phonograph cylinders were cylindrical devices made of wax or other materials used for recording and playing back sound. They were an early form of an audio recording medium popular in the 1920s. A stylus would trace the grooves on the cylinder, converting the physical movements into sound vibrations. They were eventually surpassed by disc records, which offered better sound quality and durability.
Disk drive head cleaner kits were used to clean the read/write heads of floppy disks and typically consisted of a cleaning solution and a cleaning disk or swab.
Disk drive head cleaner kits were used to clean the read/write heads of floppy disks and typically consisted of a cleaning solution and a cleaning disk or swab. To use the kit, the user would apply a few drops of the cleaning solution onto the cleaning disk or swab. The disk or swab was then inserted into the drive, and the drive was operated in a special “cleaning” mode or with the cleaning disk inserted.
In the 1920s, the “Mikiphone” was sold under the motto “the smallest fully functional record player”.
The Mikiphone was a compact and portable mechanical phonograph introduced in the 1920s. It featured a small turntable, tonearm, and amplification system housed in a compact case. Users would wind it up with a key, place a disc record on the turntable, and the stylus would play the sound through a built-in horn. The Mikiphone was popular for its portability and affordability, allowing people to enjoy music on the go.
Coleco adapters from the 1980s enabled users to access a wider range of gaming and computing options.
Coleco adapters from the 1980s, such as the Atari Adapter and ADAM Computer Module, expanded the capabilities of the ColecoVision console. The Atari Adapter allowed the ColecoVision to play Atari 2600 game cartridges by acting as a compatibility bridge. These adapters connected to the ColecoVision console, enhancing its functionality and enabling users to access a wider range of gaming and computing options.
Many people wore disposable paper undergarments known as “Sani bikinis” in public pools or beaches to prevent polio and other waterborne illnesses in the 1950s.
“Sani Bikinis” were a controversial public health measure implemented in some American cities in the mid-20th century. These disposable paper undergarments were given to individuals using public swimming pools or beaches. The aim was to prevent the spread of diseases, particularly polio and other waterborne illnesses. However, the practice faced criticism for being stigmatizing and ineffective.
Installed in shoe stores from the 1920s until the 1970s, “Pedoscopes” created X-ray images of the foot without the need to remove the client’s shoe.
Pedoscopes, also known as “X-ray shoe fitters” were X-ray fluoroscope machines installed in shoe stores from the 1920s until the 1970s. They created X-ray images of the foot without the need to remove the shoe. To make sure the shoe was the right fit, customers trying out a new pair of shoes stepped onto the Pedoscope, placing their feet in a slot at the top of the plinth.
This rare typewriter was used to type music back in the 1950s.
Music typewriters in the 1950s were specialized machines used to create sheet music and musical compositions. They had keys representing musical symbols, notes, and rests. Users would press the keys to imprint the symbols onto paper. Music typewriters allowed musicians and composers to produce professional-looking sheet music efficiently, eliminating the need for manual writing or engraving.
Before electric coffee grinders became more prevalent in the latter half of the 20th century, most people used manual coffee grinders.
Vintage coffee grinders typically worked with a manual hand-crank mechanism. Coffee beans were placed in a hopper at the top of the grinder, and as the user turned the crank, the beans were ground by burrs or blades inside the grinder. The ground coffee would then be collected in a drawer or container at the bottom, ready for brewing.
This metal post is a horse hitch, a device used in the past to secure horses and attach them to wagons, carriages, or other vehicles.
Back in the day, horse hitches were commonly found in the form of hitching posts or hitching rings. These were sturdy metal or wooden posts placed along the streets or outside establishments, providing a designated spot for people to secure their horses while they attended to their business. The hitching posts or rings allowed individuals to tie the reins or lead ropes of their horses securely, ensuring the horses remained in place.
A DJ station from the 1970s.
DJ mixers looked quite different back in the 1970s. They were primarily analog and consisted of simple rotary knobs and sliders for adjusting volume levels, EQ (equalization), and crossfading between two audio sources. These mixers primarily focused on basic audio mixing functionality and were typically larger in size, built with robust construction.
Most popular from the 1950s to the 1970s, this vintage stove was a must for outdoor enthusiasts, backpackers, and campers.
The Optimus 8R was a popular backpacking stove from the 1950s to the 1970s . It was a compact and portable liquid-fuel stove that featured a built-in pump for pressurizing the fuel canister and a control valve for regulating the flame intensity. The stove utilized a burner assembly and a windscreen to optimize fuel efficiency and heat distribution. Its sturdy construction made it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and campers during that time.
Hand mixers could be found in most kitchens not so long ago.
Manual mixers, also known as hand mixers, were particularly popular from the 1930s to the 1960s. To use a manual mixer, the user would hold the handle and rotate it manually, causing the beaters to spin. The beaters would mix, whip, or blend ingredients in a bowl or container. At the time, manual mixers provided a convenient alternative to hand-whisking or beating ingredients, allowing for quicker and more consistent mixing.
This knife was used specifically for slicing ice cream in the late 19th century.
The Century Italian Crescent Moon Sterling Silver Ice Cream Slicing Knife is a vintage utensil used specifically for slicing ice cream. It featured a unique crescent moon-shaped blade made of sterling silver, with intricate designs and engravings on the handle. This specialized 19th-century knife was crafted in Italy and served as a stylish and functional tool for serving and enjoying ice cream desserts.
A Vintage snake bite kit.
How cool is that? Vintage snake bite kits typically contained a combination of tools and treatments aimed at providing first aid for snake bites. They often included items such as suction cups or extractors to remove venom, blades or lancets for making incisions, tourniquets or bandages to restrict blood flow, and various antiseptic solutions.
Back in the 1930s, razors were made of nickel and weighed around 1.8 ounces.
Back in the day, razors were made of materials such as nickel or brass. The razor head had a closed comb design with a single cutting edge, providing a mild and comfortable shave. Its timeless design and reliable performance made it a popular choice among wet shaving enthusiasts of the era. On average, these razors typically weighed between 1.4 to 1.8 ounces, crazy, right?
Way before everything came in plastic, ice trays were made of aluminum.
Ice trays made of metal were popular during the early to mid-20th century. Prior to the introduction of plastic ice trays, metal trays were widely used for freezing and storing ice cubes. They were typically made of aluminum or stainless steel and featured individual compartments for ice cubes. As plastic became more affordable and accessible, it replaced metal as the primary material for ice trays due to its lighter weight and cost-effectiveness.
Used to hold and organize incoming and outgoing mail, letter holders were small desktop or wall-mounted storage devices.
Latter holders, also known as “letter racks” typically featured compartments or slots for separating different types of correspondence, such as bills, letters, or envelopes. They organized incoming and outgoing mail and helped keep desks tidy and made it easier to locate specific letters or documents, serving as a practical organizational tool for managing mail.
Usherette trays were small portable trays used by ushers or vendors in theaters, cinemas, or stadiums to sell snacks and refreshments to patrons.
Usherette trays, also known as concession trays or vending trays, were small portable trays used by ushers or vendors in theaters, cinemas, or stadiums to sell snacks and refreshments to patrons. These trays were typically worn around the neck or attached to a waist belt, allowing vendors to carry and display items like popcorn, candy, drinks, or ice cream conveniently while moving through the audience. Usherette trays were popular in the mid-20th century and provided a convenient way to offer concessions during events.
Introduced in 1973 by Motorola, the Motorola DynaTAC was the first-ever cellphone launched to the market.
The first cellphone, introduced in 1973 by Motorola, was called the Motorola DynaTAC. It was a bulky and heavy device, weighing around 2.2 pounds. With a length of 10 inches, it had a prominent antenna and a numeric keypad. The phone had limited functionalities, offering basic calling capabilities and a battery life of approximately 30 minutes of talk time.
Bedbril glasses, also known as bed reading glasses, were a type of eyewear designed for reading or performing close-up tasks while lying in bed.
Particularly popular in the 1960s and 70s, Bedbril glasses were a type of eyewear designed for reading or performing close-up tasks while lying in bed. They featured specially designed lenses that allowed users to maintain a comfortable viewing angle while reclining. The frames of bedbril glasses were often adjustable to accommodate different head positions. They provided a convenient solution for individuals who wanted to read or work while in a horizontal position.