15 Strange Objects From The Past That Look Practically Unrecognizable Today

Technology is constantly changing at an exponential rate. With new products and innovations coming about almost every day, even the most high-tech computers and gadgets are likely to become outmoded not long after they’re released to the public.

Technology evolves so much, in fact, that it’s only a matter of time before we realize we can’t recognize past inventions. (Seriously, have you ever tried explaining a floppy disc to Generation Z?)

These 15 strange objects from the past—from ancient sunglasses to toothpicks—certainly look odd. More importantly, though, they show how “cutting-edge technology” is all relative!

1. Playpens: This is a window cage… for babies. Believe it or not, there really was a time when parents thought this was a good idea. Sure, put their children at the edge of a window the same way that you would an air conditioner. Great call.

The idea behind this admittedly horrifying contraption was to give babies more exposure to sunlight. In reality, it probably would’ve been smarter to let them play outside. This isn’t worth the risk! That baby doesn’t look to be enjoying it!

2. Chairs: This chair has an actual set of scales attached to it. Perhaps this was meant to remind the people sitting in it to get off of their butts and exercise? It must be hard to relax when you’re sitting next to that.

3. Focusing devices: Can’t concentrate at work after a sleepless night? Try this grotesque contraption! People would use this sound insulation helmet to provide a limited (think: focused) view… as well as a limited supply of oxygen

4. Cameras: Pigeons used to carry these cameras during World War II to help armies conduct aerial reconnaissance. It’s actually kind of adorable when you think about it, but doesn’t that seem like a lot of weight for a little bird?

This is what these winged soldiers looked like in action! There’s no denying how cute this pigeon is, even if he does seem to be taking his mission pretty seriously. Do you think he knew that the fate of the free world rested on his wings?

5. Toothpicks: This English toothpick dates back to 1620. It’s difficult to imagine that even back then, people wouldn’t have found it strange to use such a fanciful-looking artifact to do something like cleaning one’s teeth.

6. Trees: This is a “wishing tree.” It was once used much in the same way that we still use wishing wells: a person placed the coins in the trunk and made a wish. Then, the tree grew over the pieces of metal over time.

The trees were a popular fixture in the woods in Scotland. Not only do they give you the hope that your wish will come true, but they look pretty neat too! Hopefully, some wishes did come true!

7. Sunglasses: This is an ancient pair of sunglasses. They certainly look like they would block light, don’t they? Of course, it also looks like they would block the vast majority of your vision, in general. Seriously, how could this ever work? 

8. Guns: This is a Type 89 machine gun was actually a camera used for aircraft training purposes during World War II. It would snap photos of targets to simulate firing actual bullets. A good photo meant the soldier “hit” the target.