50 Cool Ancient Artifacts That Hold Secrets We’re Still Trying To Uncover

There’s something about items from the past that just makes them so much more magical than what we have in stores today. The quality is often much better, there’s a charm that most antique items possess, and even simple objects like toasters seem to be artifacts when they look nothing like what we use nowadays.

Not to mention the fact that shopping vintage is much better for the environment. And you’re likely to take home high quality items that were made to last if you buy something that’s been around for decades. Unfortunately, we don’t all have access to amazing thrift stores and fabulous estate sales in our area. But with the internet at your disposal, I promise you can find amazing old items with just a little bit of digging!

To learn more about why vintage items are so special, we reached out to Karen Ratzlaff, owner of Lion & Lamb Vintage. She was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and discuss some of the best vintage finds she's ever come across.

"While hunting for things for my Etsy store, Lion and Lamb Vintage, I often find items I want to keep. Most of the time I resist that urge, but not always!" the expert shared. "One of my favorites keepers came from a private estate sale and is something I’ve never found before nor will I ever again—a 10” painted fragment of an Egyptian mummy case. Is it authentic? I believe so given the source and construction. To me it’s priceless."

We also asked Karen what antiques can teach us about the past. "Antiques and vintage items give us a peek into how others once lived and even shine a light on the social mores of that era," she noted.

"For example, I often spot ashtrays when out sourcing for vintage items and it’s a stark reminder of how popular smoking once was in the U.S. With its heyday between the 1920s and 1970s, every home had at least one ashtray if not for themselves then for guests," Karen shared.

"And smoking was allowed everywhere, including on airplanes and in hospitals. Glamorous movie stars made it look so chic, and doctors recommended it to ease stress. Thankfully, times have changed, but surprisingly mid-century modern ashtrays remain popular collectibles."

"Going further back in time, well-heeled Victorians set a table like no other as a way to showcase their wealth and gentility," Karen added. "Serving pieces included unique sterling silver implements for tomatoes, fish, sardines, fried oysters, asparagus and even potato chips. Individual place settings would have separate forks and knives for salad, fish and meat. Crystal included nappy dishes, knife rests and separate goblets for every possible libation. A far cry from our more casual dining."

While it's not possible to buy everything gently used, we asked Karen which items she would highly recommend we shop vintage for.

"If you adore costume jewelry, vintage and antique pieces offer a much better value than new items," she told Bored Panda. "Typically, the workmanship is finer, and you won’t risk exposing yourself to the toxic elements (such as lead and cadmium) often found in newer jewelry made overseas. Look for prong-set, clear stones, undamaged metal, and working closures."

"If you’re in the market for a piece of wood furniture, say a coffee table or dresser, back away from IKEA and head for an antique store or estate sale instead," Karen added. "Older pieces have the quality, craftsmanship and durability not found in flat-pack items and you’ll find some made of beautiful woods that are no longer used such as mahogany and rosewood. Prices may even be cheaper than new items. It’s a win-win."

We hope you’re enjoying this list of items from the past, pandas! Keep upvoting all of your favorites, and let us know in the comments below what the best antique find you’ve ever taken home was. Then, if you’d like to check out another Bored Panda article featuring similar old objects, we’ve got another list for you right here!