Elizabeth Puls of Boulder, Colorado guessed that these objects are hand-held musical instruments, blown by mouth and fingered on various holes drilled into the sides. They are probably made out of gourds, bone, maybe plastic or wood. I think they probably came from South America in origin—Peru, Chile, Ecuador. They could be called “pig whistles” or “whistle-pigs” or “shepherd’s flutes.” […]

 July’s What Is It? appears to be a collection of mid-19th century black-lacquered and hand-painted papier mache boxes according to William McLaren of Alaska. Most appear to be snuff boxes. Portraits of prominent people or landscapes are commonly seen, as are gilded initials and inscriptions.  The portrait box in the top middle is of a shape to hold cheroot (cigars) […]

 Our June What Is It is Evel Knievel’s stunt cycle issued by Ideal Toy Co., all plastic.  We had no correct guesses for our June What Is It.  Certainly you remember Evel Knievel.  If Evel Knievel could be considered a legend of the 1970s, then the toys created in his name clearly were legendary.  Knievel became America’s number one daredevil […]

 Marjorie McLaren of Anchorage, Alaska thought this object might be a metal wrist-bracelet with a keyring attached. It is actually a Victorian silvered metal adjustable dog collar.  The engraving on the collar says Frank Hamblin of City Coal Co. of Bath (England).  Marjorie found out that there is an interesting side story to this person. Frank (the son) and William […]

 This is a magic apparatus called “the Sliding Die Box.” The die has a black open back side. Magicians reverse the die when placed into the box, close the doors and tip the box. Audience hears a clunk. Magician opens the elevated front door to reveal nothing. Door closes and magician tips box the other way (clunk). Audience thinks they […]