A questioner said:
Anyone know what this is for? It came with my house from 1948. Measures about 4.5” x 5”. Front part lifts up. The only markings is a handwritten “50” on the back. Looks like it would have originally been black.
More info:
Can’t find any info on Google about it. Probably made in the 1940’s. Hanging in basement of my house in southeastern Michigan.
Some of the answers:
1- It looks like a device for dispensing something that rolls, like ping pong balls. But it looks very heavy duty for such a light item. Something along those lines maybe?
2- Could it be for holding mops horizontally, with the heads hanging over the sink to drip dry?
3- Would it have held folded up towels, perhaps cleaning cloths?
Anyone saying it’s for dispensing anything more or less spherical, like golf balls or eggs, is wrong. If you’ve ever seen a dispenser for those kinds of things, they need rails to roll the object back and forth so they don’t bind up on one another right as the entrance.
Outside of that, I can’t comprehend a use. If it’s for dispensing things, you’d expect the top to open, not the front. If you want to be able to latch things in, then the front where the latch is needs to be the biggest hole, but the sides are bigger which means it’s just as easy or easier to pull things through the side. I could see it potentially being used for placing specifically shaped dispenser bottles sideways so that their cap sticks through the latch and 4 of them would be accessible, but that seems oddly specific.
The last thought I have is that it could be something circular or that has one or more loops. Hoses or cords or cables could be hung on there and then the latch would keep them in place. When you need it, you open the latch and slide the whole looped bundle off at once. My biggest issue with that is that you’d need larger loops on higher hooks to keep any higher bundle from blocking any lower bundle.
Winding a single cord or hose is really the only thing that makes sense. You start winding the hose on the lowest hook making 3 or 4 loops. Then you loop it higher and higher as you fill the slots with larger and larger loops.
I still don’t like it as I would expect each layer to be bent slightly at the front, like the bottom layer is, in order to make it easier to slide the cord or cable on and off.
I didn’t see any mention of the handle on the top of the device. It looks like it is supposed to be removed from the wall and carried somewhere for use.
Silk stockings drier
If it’s near the well pump it might be a hose rack. Logical place to have one.
Man that first pic had me so confused about its size. I was thinking bowling balls first. From the comments some other people didn’t get too deep into it.
Could it be for holding and dispensing laundry bluing?
It reminds me of a salt lick holder for animals.
kind of reminds me of those skateboard racks you sometimes see.
Open it up, slide it in with the wheels over the bar, close it and lock it
Tie rack or pantyhose drying rack?
Only thing I’ve ever seen like this was for holding multiple whiskey flasks. One in the coat pocket, four more filled for the rest of the work week (remember, this was the 40’s to 50’s) then the bar closes over the cap ends. It was a home made dealie but the open sides, size and bar are nearly identical.
The shade of paint reminded me of a hospital. Apparently there is a color called “hospital green.”
Not American so not sure but before the advent of modern replacements, did cloth washing soap come in balls? You know to put in a machine machine?
What do you think? Let us know in the comment!
Read More: The whole internet collaborated and couldn’t find what this is. I’m not sure what this is, ninety percent of people don’t know too…
In the realm of vintage artifacts, every discovery holds a tale waiting to be told. Such is the case with a peculiar item that recently caught the attention of its owner, who stumbled upon it within the confines of their 1948 home. Measuring approximately 4.5 inches by 5 inches, this enigmatic piece bears the weight of time upon its weathered facade. With its front part lifting up like a secretive lid and only a handwritten “50” as a clue, it beckons curious minds to unravel its mysteries.
In an age where instant knowledge is at our fingertips, it’s remarkable how some relics manage to evade categorization and understanding. The absence of definitive markings or labels adds to the intrigue, leaving its purpose shrouded in ambiguity. Yet, it is precisely this air of mystery that renders it all the more fascinating.
First, let’s turn our attention to its origins. The year 1948 signifies a period of post-war reconstruction and burgeoning innovation in many parts of the world. Against this backdrop, the object likely carries the echoes of its time, embodying the craftsmanship and utility of an era now consigned to history books.
Its size and design suggest a functional purpose rather than purely decorative. The lifting front part hints at a compartmentalized structure, potentially serving as storage or housing intricate mechanisms. The absence of apparent wear and tear on the lifting mechanism suggests infrequent use or careful preservation, further deepening the puzzle.
The handwritten inscription “50” offers a tantalizing clue, yet its significance remains elusive. Could it denote a serial number, a batch identifier, or perhaps even a personal marking by a previous owner? Without context, we can only speculate.
As for its original color, the inference that it might have been black opens avenues for speculation. Black was a prevalent color in mid-20th-century design, symbolizing elegance, formality, and timelessness. However, without tangible evidence or corroborating historical references, this remains conjecture.
To unravel the mystery of this object, one must engage in a blend of historical research, deductive reasoning, and perhaps a dash of serendipity. Archival records, vintage catalogs, and expert consultations could provide valuable insights into its intended use and provenance. Additionally, reaching out to communities of collectors, historians, or enthusiasts might yield anecdotes or similar sightings, further illuminating its story.
In the digital age, where knowledge is democratized and information flows freely, it’s heartening to encounter artifacts that still possess the power to mystify and captivate. The allure of the unknown beckons us to embark on a journey of discovery, to peel back the layers of time and unearth the secrets held within.
As the custodian of this relic from 1948, the owner stands at the threshold of a narrative waiting to be unearthed. With patience, perseverance, and a healthy dose of curiosity, they may yet unlock the secrets of this enigmatic object, breathing new life into its silent testimony to bygone days. Until then, it remains a tangible link to a past that continues to intrigue and inspire.