Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with mystery and device

What is an Intervox? Can I use it to take over the world?

agropyron — Thu, 28 May 2009 20:30:23 -0800

What is this crazy sci-fi looking device I bought at a salvage store? It has knobs, a compass, and a bizarre spinning top. I purchased The Device at a construction salvage store in Seattle today. The top part rotates, and the base has the compass points on it. The dial reads "275 ... 300 ... 325", and the two knobs at the bottom are marked "L" and "P". It's got vacuum tubes inside!

No one at the salvage place knew what it was either, and they made me promise to call back if I found out.

Photos.

Mystery Device: Telxon 718?

vanoakenfold — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:42:40 -0800

What exactly does a Telxon 718 do? It looks like a way-back calculator but only has plus, minus, and a few weird, presumably abbreviated, button markings. Any guesses as to what it does? Video within. Mystery Device - Telxon 718. I picked it up at a rummage sale for a dollar, and the owner had no earthly idea where it came from or what it was for, but offered a few guesses. What do you think?

Help identify this utensil/implement

fire&wings — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 16:33:16 -0800

What is this implement? Can anyone identify this implement? It's very well constructed, made of brass and appears to be at least 100 years old (Victorian/Edwardian.) The "claws" have sharpened ends and do not meet when closed, which leads me to think it may be a device for pressing/squeezing things against a flat surface rather than picking stuff up.

Photos: closed, open.

Mystery Devices

Vidiot — Mon, 19 Apr 2004 11:38:02 -0800

Amherst College wants to know: what is this thing?