Have you ever come across an antique item and pondered its purpose? The way that antiques serve as a reminder of how much has changed over time is fascinating. While some commonplace objects from the past have undergone significant change, others are now wholly irrelevant. Let’s go back in time and see how much you know about these eighteen antiques. They’re not too difficult, so don’t worry! Check your score in the comments section below to see how many you can properly identify.
Item 1: Necessity for Early Mornings
Let’s start with an easier one. Can you guess what this item was used for? If you guessed a coffee grinder, then you are absolutely right! Back in the day, coffee beans were sold whole, and you had to hand crank them before brewing your morning cup of joe. Imagine the effort required before even having your first sip of coffee!
Item 2: A Challenging Household Chore
Even if the following item is still in use today, it has undoubtedly evolved throughout time. What do you suppose it is? You’re right if you mentioned a vacuum cleaner! The Baby Daisy is the name of the vacuum cleaner shown here. It was created in 1910 and was designed in France. Two people were needed to run the Baby Daisy, a manually driven vacuum. While the second person used the hose to perform the actual vacuuming, the first person would stand on the base of the vacuum and move it back and forth with a broomstick in the holder. Fortunately, vacuum cleaners have advanced significantly!
Item 3: Back to the Kitchen
Let’s head back to the kitchen for the next item. Take a good look at the photo below. Any guesses? If you guessed a toaster, you are right! Toasters as we know them today began to appear when Albert Marsh developed a safe heating element in the early 20th century. Before that, people used to toast their bread over a fire! And here’s a hint, this item goes well with the coffee grinder from item one.
Item 4: Essential Kitchen Tool
This old item may not be as common in kitchens today, but it’s still used by bakers. Can you guess what it is? If you said a flour sifter, you are correct! Running flour through a sifter helps aerate it, making it lighter and easier to mix. Perfect for making bread to go with your toasted slices!
Item 5: Installed by the Front Door
Take a look at this simple item. Can you guess its purpose? This is a boot scraper! It was used to scrape off the excess mud and dirt from the bottom of your shoes before entering a home. No one likes a messy floor!
Item 6: A Perfect Summer Treat
Finally, can you recognize this object? You’re exactly right if you guessed an ice cream maker! This vintage ice cream maker had two bowls and a manual crank. The delectable components were in one little bowl, and ice and rock salt were in another, larger basin. The ice was able to absorb the heat from the ingredients thanks to the rock salt, resulting in a creamy, frozen delicacy. Delicious!
