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50 Cool Ancient Artifacts That Hold Secrets We’re Still Trying To Uncover
Interview With Expert
We’re not all lucky enough to have relatives that have held onto relics from the past for decades. My grandma did save me a few vintage dresses and some gorgeous pieces of jewelry, but I would give anything to take a peek into her home 50 years ago.
And if you’re interested in the past too, we’ve got the perfect list for you down below. Bored Panda has searched far and wide to find photos of fascinating antique and vintage objects that we just don’t see everyday anymore. From money that’s no longer in circulation to magazine clippings from the 1960s, you’re sure to find something new (yet simultaneously old!) on this list. Enjoy scrolling through these items that could be in museums, and keep reading to find a conversation with Karen Ratzlaff, owner of Lion & Lamb Vintage!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
16th Century Ring That Unfolds Into An Astronomical Sphere
RELATED:
#2
My 1959 Frigidaire Custom Imperial
My dream stove. I wanted a vintage stove for the longest time, and when this one popped up in my favorite color (for $400, no less) I made the four hour drive and shoved it in the back of my Honda Element and drove it right back home. She’s a dream. Works perfectly. Takes three grown men to move her, but she’s worth it.
#3
Scored A Space Age 1970s Electrohome Saturn Record Player While Thrifting - It's Got A Huge Bubble Dome, And It Works
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!
#4
Came Across Old Correspondence Letters From A Soldier To My Grandma
Karen Mercury 9 months ago
That's just incredible. I would totally frame that. And will it to a museum
#5
Stair Dust Corners Introduced At The End Of The 19th Century To Make Sweeping Easier. They Keep Dust From Accumulating In The Corners
#6
February 9, 1920, My Grandfather Wanted To Be A Cartoonist. He Worked For The Railroad Instead, Sending Home Many Letters
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."
#7
113 Years Ago The Press Reported Climate Change
#8
The Bible That Saved My Great-Great Grandfather In WW I
#9
Today While Sorting Through My Grandma’s Attic, I Happened To Discover My Great-Great-Grandfather's Italian Passport And Ticket To America
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.
#10
An Eerily Accurate Ad From 1996 I Found In An Advertising Book
#11
I Inherited This Toaster From The 1920s Around 10 Years Ago And It Has Worked Great Every Single Day
LittleJackal 9 months ago
These are great! I still have mine from my grandmother, and it still works perfectly
#12
Envelope Of My Old Concert Stubs From The 70s I Found Behind My Dresser Yesterday
"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."
#13
This Is The Forever Burning Light Bulb. A Single Light Bulb That Has Been Burning Almost Continuously Since 1901 In Livermore, California. It Will Soon Be 125 Years Old
Montanavanna 9 months ago
It can be done, we can stop consuming the planet. Our consumption of the world is killing us. Check out the documentary The Lost Civilization, its free on Tubi. Dr. Steven Greer outlines many technologies that are much better than our current models, what happened to their develoent and most importantly why they are suppressed and who would want to do such things. Although I am certain we all know the who. A big point he made was that they failed because in the stages where there were patents filed the inventors would leave out key components out of fear or worry the credit would not be given and others. This allowed the suppressors to shut it down easily, or steal and then deny access and hide it. In many instances these inventors and creators and engineers and builders met mysterious ends. Dr. Greer recommends this tech be open source and readily available so anyone can utilize them. Their hiding away of these innovations is criminal! No fooking more! We see you!
#14
Theodore Roosevelt's Diary Entry On The Day Both His Mother And His Wife Died, Both In The Same House 11 Hours Apart. His Wife Had Given Birth Two Days Earlier
Montanavanna 9 months ago
Aw man, the pain in those words. Ya know our historical figures have done some real shittay things. They have also done some good things. Teddy was instrumental in creating the national park system. The very one and its laws we can utilize today to keep em protected. He was also pretty ruthless with his Native removal policies. What we need, really really need, is some humility, accountability, empathy and serious honesty about where we have been, we we are and where everything is headed. Cut the spin. We see through it, it will not work on us anymore. We are stronger together. We are the people we have been waiting for.
#15
I Got To Use A Mold-A-Matic Machine Today. It's A Machine From The 60s That Makes A Plastic Souvenir Toy On Demand
"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."
#16
This Old Kodak Film Container
#17
My Granddad's Identity Card From When He Was A Prisoner Of War In Guernsey During WW II
#18
Look What My Nana Found Going Through Her Old Bathroom Essentials
My Nana found these perfume nips going through an old box of bathroom essentials and I was absolutely fascinated! She says they have to be at least 50+ years old by now. I'm tempted to use one on my wedding day next year.
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."
#19
Bought A Dresser Off Marketplace And Found Some Vintage Goodies & “The Gloves I Wore To My Wedding 7-22-1949”
#20
I Found My Mom’s Michael Jackson Ticket From 1984
#21
My 1960s Sword Cocktail Stick (Penny For Scale)
"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."
#22
My Grandfather's Metal Social Security Card
#23
This Vintage Sugar Bowl With Tongs Built In The Lid
#24
Yet Another Stanley Insulated Jug. But This One Is About 100 Years Old
Display name here 9 months ago
I would totally stick a straw in it and carry it around with me all day and just be like, "Now who's in charge!?" Lol!
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!
#25
I Work In The Underground World And Dug Up This Really Old Lysol Bottle
Montanavanna 9 months ago
My husband works underground, driller. He brings me amazing crystals. That is cool. Old glass is hard to find intact in the wild. Before municipal trash collection people had a personal dump on their property. You can still find them out on larger pieces of land. But people would either bury the refuse or burn it. Often glass got broken up. Very cool.
#27
Our "Top-Off" Jar & Bottle Opener From The 1930's Still Gets Frequent Use
#28
Worlds Oldest Pairs Of Levi's Jeans Found In A Goldmine 136 Years Later
#29
Doodles In 1878, By My Great Great Grandfather
#30
My Dad Worked On A Dam In Iraq In The 80s, He Received This Medal From Saddam Hussein Upon Completion
CrunChewy McSandybutt 9 months ago
Anybody able to read the writing? I'm curious what it says.
#31
Great, Great, Great, Grandfather's Civil War Draft Notice
#32
My Grandma's Teacup Was Made In Occupied Japan
#33
Found A Game From 1960 With All The Pieces
#34
A Soldier's Diary Entry On The Day The War Ended
#35
I Found Anti Nixon Propaganda From 1974
#36
This Corner Piano
#37
Here's The Actual First Image Of Coca Cola Back In The 1880's When It Was Dispensed By Chemist
#38
This History Book Of World War 1 From Before There Was A Second War
#39
My College Dorm Room, 1985
#40
In 1962, An Italian Magazine Published A Story Previewing What The World Could Look Like In 2022
Montanavanna 9 months ago
Everyone walled off from each other and seemingly distracted? They are just missing screens. Or..or..softer footprint in our individual transportation methods that take up less space, OK perhaps part of the picture. Can anybody translate the text? I would love to know what the artists influences and perspectives were when they created this. Very fascinating. How about the cityscape appearing unchanged from how it looked then. Hints at optism perhaps?
#41
A 58 Year Old Prediction Came True
#42
My Grandma Still Has Her Yugoslav Passport
#43
This 117+ Year Old Coffee Grinder From Peugeot (Yes The Car Maker)
#44
Still Using Grandma's 1940's Egg Poacher For My Morning Breakfast
#45
Found A Very Large Floppy Disk When Cleaning Out The Old IT Guy's Office
Gandalf the Pink 9 months ago
It's not a floppy but an encased laserdisc actually, that you can burn stuff to once. They were mostly used for corporate data storage.
#46
Still Going, 60’s Microwave Oven
#47
Hospital Bill From 1936 For Birth Of Baby (My Grandmother)
#48
Memory Tickler Of Household Requirements (Circa 1930's)
Raymond Core 9 months ago
I have one of these but on my phone. I don't have 'Blanc Mange Powder' on any of my lists, though. I wonder what 'Black Lead' is. All the other items except Metal Polish and Matches are edible.
#49
World War Bayonet Under The Asphalt While At Work On A Football Ground
#50
In The 70s Car Hammocks For Babies Were A Thing
#51
My Grandpa Has Manual Fire Extinguishers In His House
Kabuki Kitsune 9 months ago
There are modern variants of this still in use. They're called "fire grenades". The design intention was for a person to take these and throw either into the fire, or at the base of the fire. They shatter, and spread a mixture of water and fire retardant chemicals to stop the fire.
#52
Grandad's Cigarette Dispenser, Around A 100 Years Old And Still Works
Kiki Likes Sweets 9 months ago
My granddad had the donkey one. You pull the ears forward and the cigarette comes out of it's ärse!!
#54
John Steinbeck's Witty Letter To Marilyn Monroe
#55
I Have A Old TV Remote From The Late 1960s
Montanavanna 9 months ago
People of a certain generation call this a clicker, now you know why. My father in law called and still calls it a twit he doesn't remember why he uses that term.
#57
Paper Found Among My Late Grandmother’s Belongings Talking About The Armistice Ending WW I
#58
I’m A Funeral Director And A Lady I Cared For Was A Seamstress For The Playboy Bunnies. She Had A Bunch Of Cool Old Playboy Memorabilia At The Wake, But This Was My Favorite
#59
Gillette - The Best A Man Can Get
#60
I Found A 1943-45 10 Peso Japanese "Invasion Note" From When The Japanese Invaded The Philippines
#62
$10,000 Bill & 3 Cent Bill
Carl Roberts 9 months ago (edited)
That is a series 1900 "Gold Certificate". The last $10,000 bills (Federal Reserve Note) were produced in 1934, along with the last $500, $1000, and $5000 bills. 1934 is also the only year the Federal Reserve printed a $100,000 bill, which is illegal to possess, as it was never intended for circulation (Was only used for transfers between banks).
#63
The House Of Representatives Votes 304-89 In Favor Of Approving The 19th Amendment, Which Granted Women The Right To Vote
#64
I Found This Incredible Diary Of A Barnum & Bailey Worker From 1975- There’s Over 100 Pages Of Entries Detailing His Adventures- By Far The Coolest Thing I’ve Ever Found
#65
Very Old Potato Chip Packaging Claims They Are Healthy
#66
The 100,000 Dollar Bill. Although 42,000 Were Printed, Only 12 Remain In Existence And It’s Illegal To Own One
#67
Vintage Needle Work Skills School Project
Huddo's sister 9 months ago
I found a embroidery sampler my mum did in school and framed it for her last Christmas.
#68
204 Year Old Miniature Bible
Passed down through the family and managed to survive moves through 2 continents 3 countries and a half dozen cities throughout those years.
#69
Found A Civil War Printing Block In The Garden Today
Scott mati 9 months ago
I don’t think this is a printing block otherwise the lettering would’ve been backwards to be pressed on the paper.
#70
Graffiti By Prisoners In 1800s. Canterbury, England
#71
Grandpa Showed Me This $1000 Bill That He Owned For More Than 30 Years
Michael Largey 9 months ago
Assuming an average savings account rate of 3%, he could have had $2,427.26 after thirty years instead of $1,000. But any picture of the Grove Man is priceless.
#72
A LEGO Brick From 1949 Can Still Connect With A Brand New LEGO Brick From 2025
#73
Valentine's From 1956, Belonging To A Child Named Frances. There Were Over 50 Kept Inside The Crayon-Colored Envelope
Multa Nocte 9 months ago
I have several dozen of these from the 60s when I was in elementary school.
#74
Vintage Post Office Box Coin Bank From The 50s. 6.99$ At A Local Thrift Store
#75
TWA Air Hostess Requirements From The Mid '40s
#76
This 100-Year-Old Perfume Bottle That Glows Under Blacklight
Montanavanna 9 months ago
Uranium glass. I have a neighbor who displays their entire collection in a bay window they have. It is amazing at night!
#77
Let Me Present To You A 70 Year Old Washing Machine From 1954
What doesn't it do - heat water, pump water in or out, add detergent, end automatically, spin clothes.
What does it do - move clothes around, work after 70 years!
#78
World's First Automatic Coffee Machine. 1952. Been In The Family For 70 Years. Still Works Perfectly
#79
This 101 Year Old Copy Of National Geographic. Including An Article About How Amazing The Telephone Is, And Canadians Going Off To Fight In "The War"
#80
Found A Very Old Photo Of A Computer When Clearing Out My Grandmother's House
#81
The 1956 Hospital Bill From When My Mom Was Born. 6 Day Hospital Stay, $107.55 Total
#82
Ad For A 4-Bedroom Home In 1958
Carl Roberts 9 months ago (edited)
That's $130,648 is 2024 dollars.Still pretty darn cheap for a house.
#83
This Is So Cool. 1937 Ss Cig Case With Smokes Still Inside
General Anaesthesia 9 months ago
From the original Reddit post: "Yoshwa1985 OP 2y ago - For clarification, SS means sterling silver. This isn’t Nazi memorabilia, but I understand the confusion. The item did come from the estate of a holocaust survivor though. Mostly jewelry, but this piece I kept"
#84
These Cooking Spoons Are 60 Years Old And Still In Use By My Mother
LuisSD stuff 9 months ago
I love using wooden utensils to cook with. It's the feel that makes cooking special.
#85
A Book My Dad Was Issued When He Joined The Army In 1958
#86
My Mother Has A Magnet From Amazon 24 Years Ago When They Only Sold Books
Kim Kermes 9 months ago
Right after he stole the name from an independent bookstore in Minneapolis
#87
An Ad To Buy A Squirrel Monkey For Less Than $20 In A Comic Book From The 60s
#88
My Deceased Great Uncle’s (Secret) Undesirable Discharge From The Vietnam War
#89
A Mastercard From The 70s
#90
My Great Grandmother's Diary. She Was Born In 1900 And Lived In New York City
#91
This 40s Magazine Advertising Cheese On Apple Pie
LuisSD stuff 9 months ago
I can never understand why people put cheese on an apple pie. I'd put ice cream!
#92
My Mom’s 49 Year Old Mixer
#93
Came Across A Stack Of 1908 Congressional Records While Installing Insulation In The Attic Of Our Old House
#95
Hand-Drawn Ship's Route Map From Bremen, Germany, 1910. What Is It Called?
#96
My Library Got Gifted A 160 Year Old Webster Dictionary
embi miller 9 months ago
Why is the typeface so small on old documents. I couldnt read this without a magnifying glass.
#97
Vintage Recycling: When The Spine Fell Off This 1878 Book, I Noticed That The Lining Appears To Be Part Of An Old Magazine Cover
#98
My 22-Year Old Kenesis Keyboard With The New One I Just Bought
#99
Bought A Book And Found A Bookmark
#100
Vietnam War Draft Notice
#101
My Great Aunt Had A Japanese Hunting License
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What do you think ?
Rick Murray 9 months ago
While tidying up the kitchen, I found a huge (5 litre?) glass bottle that my mother brought over from the UK. I thought it would make an interesting candle holder. Then I saw the old faded label - it's a bottle of medicinal æther!
Khall Khall 9 months ago
Downvote the subscription locked articles. This is nonsense. They make huge money from the ads. They don't need more money to read something they stole from reddit.
T'Mar of Vulcan 9 months ago
Looking through my parents' old things (my mother just kept everything jammed into a suitcase), I found my dad's army papers and a thank you from the government for serving in WW II.
BoredLittleLeafSheep 9 months ago
Quit after the first five because only the first entry (the 16th century ring) could even remotely count as an "ancient artifact".
Ariom Dahl 9 months ago
They were still interesting, but yes, 'old' might have been a better description. Mind you, to some of today's young people anyone over thirty is ancient so maybe not so far off. :)
Load More Replies... Rick Murray 9 months ago
While tidying up the kitchen, I found a huge (5 litre?) glass bottle that my mother brought over from the UK. I thought it would make an interesting candle holder. Then I saw the old faded label - it's a bottle of medicinal æther!
Khall Khall 9 months ago
Downvote the subscription locked articles. This is nonsense. They make huge money from the ads. They don't need more money to read something they stole from reddit.
T'Mar of Vulcan 9 months ago
Looking through my parents' old things (my mother just kept everything jammed into a suitcase), I found my dad's army papers and a thank you from the government for serving in WW II.
BoredLittleLeafSheep 9 months ago
Quit after the first five because only the first entry (the 16th century ring) could even remotely count as an "ancient artifact".
Ariom Dahl 9 months ago
They were still interesting, but yes, 'old' might have been a better description. Mind you, to some of today's young people anyone over thirty is ancient so maybe not so far off. :)
Load More Replies...
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