MYSTERY OBJECTS

[Cathy]

It doesn’t look like it belongs in a shed, does it belong in a kitchen

[Stanley]

That's where it lived in the 1930s Cathy, in the kitchen.

[Cathy]

Very strange, why would they bother to put a lid on it, when it’s open at the front.

Stoneware salt container

[Stanley]

Not salt Cathy but you're right, it had a very specific purpose. Clue, we wouldn't consider it today.....

[Cathy]

Oh dear, lard is all I can think of.

[Tizer]

For keeping food/milk cool?

[Stanley]

No Peter. Clue, it was connected with concerns about health.

[Gloria]

For storing malt and cod liver oil?

[PanBiker]

Was it for administering some kind of "beneficial" vapour?

[Stanley]

Sorry no Gloria. Ian is getting very close with his beneficial vapour but it wasn't vapour..... Remember the clue, very popular in the 1920s and 30s but wouldn't be given house room now.

[Stanley]

You are all stuck on this one and need some serious clues! Not beneficial vapour but this container was dispensing water treated with the latest medical fad in the 1930s. It was actually extremely dangerous!

[Gloria]

Morphine or arsenic? Just guessing really.

[Steeplejerk]

Radium water jar.

[Stanley]

Tom has it. Look THIS up. Next one?

[Stanley]

What is it?

[PanBiker]

The inscription reads Hotel Telephone but it's a Hydrogen lamp. Maybe it was used to illuminate a telephone booth in said establishment?

[Stanley]

I have to give it to you Ian. It's a Dobereiner's Lamp . See THIS Wikipedia article. Claimed by many to be the world's first cigarette lighter.
Next one?

[Stanley]

What is this?

[Gloria]

A honing tool?

[Stanley]

Sorry Gloria, no. Clue, it's part of a steam engine.....

[Gloria]

That’s me stumped then.

[plaques]

Gloria. Have look at this.

[plaques]

Gloria. Have look at this.

[Stanley]

You've got there, It's one of the Corliss valves from the HP cylinder at Bancroft. I'm going to bed for second sleep but want to leave you another object....



What is it?

[Tizer]

Is it an old version of the standard kilogram weight (mass) or something similar?