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Objects Of Intrigue

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Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Michael Collins in front of one of their training capsules.
objects of intrigue

The Apollo Astronauts Signed Memorabilia in Quarantine—as Life Insurance

"Insurance covers" were meant to provide for their families in the event of disaster.
Jesse Hicks July 18, 2019
Video • Object of Intrigue

The First Meteorite to Crash Into a Car

4:06
A more flattened teapot became the standard.
objects of intrigue

Why a Computer History Museum Owns a Legendary Teapot

For computer-graphics researchers, it's both a tool and a meme.
Anne Ewbank June 19, 2019
Spherical cricket container, date unknown, artist unknown.
objects of intrigue

In Ancient China, Pet Crickets Spent the Winter in Opulent Gourds

More than functional, these fleshy fruits developed into a striking art form.
Claire Voon June 5, 2019
This poulaine, uncovered on the Thames, features an ankle strap and a sexy, plunging front.
objects of intrigue

Why Were Medieval Europeans So Obsessed With Long, Pointy Shoes?

Going to foolish lengths for fashion.
Sabrina Imbler May 22, 2019
Definitely don't judge this book by its cover.
objects of intrigue

For Sale: A Poisoner’s Lab Secreted in a Beautiful Book

Another reminder that covers can't be trusted.
Jessica Leigh Hester May 17, 2019
Ben Chifley's model airplane.
South Bathurst, Australia

Ben Chifley's Model Airplane

The intriguing artifact can be found in the former Australian prime minister's home.
A glorious gold-detailed Toselli.
objects of intrigue

The Coolest Coffee Maker of the 19th Century Was a Tabletop Train

Only the very wealthy could afford these delicate contraptions.
Anne Ewbank May 15, 2019
A nugget from Silver Charm, lovingly encased in a Mason jar.
objects of intrigue

For Sale: Preserved Manure From a Kentucky Derby Winner

Just $200 can get you a resin-encased chunk of horse racing history.
Sabrina Imbler May 6, 2019
It's good to be the first First Lady.
objects of intrigue

Martha Washington Used a Government Perk to Cancel Her Newspaper

Just four of her "Free Franks"—letters delivered without postage—are known to survive.
Matthew Taub May 6, 2019
This 18th-century ivory ball contains eight smaller spheres.
objects of intrigue

The Mind-Boggling Artistry of China’s Ivory Puzzle Balls

This traditional art from Guangzhou can never be produced legally again.
Claire Voon May 3, 2019
Wheeling, West Virginia

Sweeney Punch Bowl

The largest piece of cut lead crystal adorned a grave for 75 years and is now the shining star of a glass museum.
A Late Babylonian tablet spelling out a ritual to quiet a crying child.
objects of intrigue

How to Calm a Crying Baby Like a Mesopotamian

Sing a simple song and sprinkle some sacred dust.
Noor Al-Samarrai April 24, 2019
The flute-playing rat.
Deal, England

Deal Maritime and Local History Museum

A jumble of treasures in a small space, this old-fashioned local museum is full of surprises.
Halle (Saale), Germany

Nebra Sky Disc

The 3,600-year-old archeological sensation is considered to be the oldest representation of the cosmos.
A close-up of an Alcock-style leech jar.
objects of intrigue

The Weirdly Ornate Jars Designed Just for Precious Leeches

Victorian leech jars were beautiful—if somewhat ineffective—vessels for keeping the worms alive and out of sight.
Sabrina Imbler April 11, 2019
This 1920 Eagle toy stove by Hubley Manufacturing Company features a working damper and came with a waffle iron.
objects of intrigue

Before the Easy-Bake Oven, Toy Stoves Were Beautiful and Deadly

They burned real fuel and caused real damage.
Anne Ewbank April 10, 2019
A rare blanket containing woolly dog hair
objects of intrigue

What a Blanket Made With Dog Hair Can Tell Us About Indigenous Communities in the Pacific Northwest

The Coast Salish wool dog has been extinct for a little over a century.
Noor Al-Samarrai April 5, 2019