Online sleuths uncover hidden mysteries daily. They lurk in thrift stores or on grandma’s shelf. Are you seeking help? They swiftly crack the puzzle. Let’s delve in.

1. “A three-legged stool with a very narrow back, does it serve a specific purpose?”

Answer: “Milking stool.”

2. “What are those vertical poles in my gothic 19th-century house stairway for?”

Answer: “To protect the corners of the wall; stuff gets chipped easily and looks worn down.”

3. “White circular hard plastic object, wife thinks it might be some knitting equipment?”

Answer: “Two of them will hold glow sticks in a globe shape.”

4. “What is this lovely stylized spoon made for?”

Answer: “It is a cheese scoop.”

5. “Any idea why this ceramic bowl has a slot?”

Answer: It looks like an egg separator.

6. “I found this small kettle years ago. Tried searching for a similar one, but have always come up with nothing.”

Answer: In Italy, it is called “la padella.” It is used to pee when you cannot get out of bed.

7. “Cleaning out a house and came across this. The little cup at the top swings back and forth. Says it’s from Japan.”

Answer: “It’s a bridal cup.”

8. “Why does the cake I cooked turn out like this?”

Answer: “Don’t use a ceramic baking dish, use glass or metal. Those fluted sides are designed for souflé, not chocolate or vanilla grain-based batters.”