Can Anyone Tell Me What This Is? Thrift Store Kitchen Find Mystery

Ever found a strange item in a thrift store kitchen bag? Learn how to identify mystery kitchen tools and make the most of your second-hand treasures.

The Thrill of Thrift Store Finds

Thrift stores are full of surprises, especially in the kitchenware section. One day, you might find a cast iron skillet. The next, a mystery tool that looks like a combination of things you’ve never seen before.

You may have opened a bag of assorted items and found something that looks like a comb… but isn’t. Before tossing it or giving up, let’s explore how to identify mystery kitchen tools and why some unusual finds are worth keeping.

Step 1: Examine the Item Closely

When you discover a mysterious object in a thrift store kitchen bag, consider:

Material – Is it metal, plastic, wood, silicone?
Shape – Long, round, flat, or curved?
Size – Fits in your hand, the cupboard, or a baking sheet?
Markings – Any brand, number, or pattern?

These clues often point toward the tool’s intended use.

Step 2: Compare to Common Kitchen Items

Many mystery items resemble everyday objects but have specialized purposes:

Spice grinder parts – small comb-like pieces may be the interior of a mill
Vegetable or herb slicers – jagged edges can look like a comb
Butter or chocolate molds – some have grooves for decorative shapes
Whisks or mashers – handle attachments may look odd out of context

Step 3: Search Online

Take clear photos from multiple angles
Use search terms like: “vintage kitchen tool comb shaped” or “unknown kitchen gadget thrift”
Check YouTube or Pinterest, which often have rare kitchen tool demos
Ask communities on Reddit r/whatisthisthing or Facebook thrift/antique groups

Step 4: Test It Safely

If you think it might be a tool for food prep:

Wash thoroughly
Test on non-food items first (like paper or clay)
Check if it works as a grater, masher, or slicer
Avoid sharp edges until you’re sure of its function

You might accidentally discover a fun new gadget to simplify cooking.

Fun Examples of Thrift Store Mystery Tools

Vintage apple corer and slicers – often resemble jagged combs
Butter curler – small, serrated, and metal
Potato ricer plates – metal discs with holes or ridges
Herb stripping combs – remove leaves from stems

Some of these are nearly impossible to recognize without experience — which is part of the fun!

Tips for Thrifts and Mystery Items

Always inspect items for safety before using
Keep a notebook or photo collection of unusual finds
Some tools have high resale value online if they’re vintage or rare
Share your mystery finds with friends or online communities for crowdsourced ID

Mini Case Example

Rachel found a small, metal, comb-like object in a thrift bag labeled “kitchen odds & ends.”

After photographing and posting in an online forum, a collector identified it as a vintage herb stripping comb
Rachel now uses it to quickly strip thyme and rosemary leaves from stems
What looked like a useless gadget turned into a favorite kitchen helper

Thrift store kitchen bags are full of mysteries — and what looks like a strange comb could be a hidden gem for your cooking adventures.

Key takeaway: Take your time, examine carefully, and leverage online communities. One person’s thrift store mystery could be your new favorite kitchen tool.