People are asking for help identifying strange objects, and some of them are just plain weird

Mysterious purple smoke

A user captured an image of purple smoke rising from an industrial chimney. The explanation? This color appears when waste containing iodine is burned. A vision worthy of a magical tale, but one that hides a sobering chemical reality.

A strange machine: old key cutter or polishing tool?
A strange old key cutter or polishing tool

A black steel device with a motor sowed doubt. Some thought it was a 1940s portable key cutter , used to shape keys. Others suggested a precision polishing tool, used to sharpen drill bits. Either way, it was a fascinating vintage object.

A not so ordinary spoon

see next page