/r/Whatisthis
Welcome to r/whatisthis, a subreddit for identifying objects of unknown make, type, or origin. If you have something and you don't know what it is, submit it here to find out.
For Identification Of Unknown Objects, i.e., Weird Creatures, Ancient Kitchen Gadgets, Funny-Looking Screwdrivers, Other Random Artifacts.
Please help us to help you.
- What do you want to know?
- Tell us where (in the world) you are
- Describe the thing - how big? material, mass, etc.
- Give us some context
- Post a clear, well-lit, in-focus, large format image
- Include something for scale
- Small items should be photographed up close
- Large items should be photographed from a proper distance enough to see the entire item
- Manufacturer's markings help us immensely, even if they look like gibberish to you
You can typically locate manufacturer's markings on the bottom, base, or underside of an object - Production tags, inserts, or attachments such as a label or stamp also help us identify objects
Rules for /r/Whatisthis
Rules that visitors must follow to participate. May be used as reasons to report or ban.
1) The "Be Nice" rule
Be helpful. Don't be an ass. Follow reddiquette, our rules, and the reddit TOS, or be banned. This is rule 1 for a reason. We mean it. Be nice, or be elsewhere.
2) The "Keep top level comments helpful" rule
Just say what it is, or ask for more info.
Your top level comment must either (1) specifically identify the item in question, or (2) ask the OP for more information. It should NOT consist of, or even include, any form of joking. Comments like, "Gosh, that looks like your mom's sex toy. But actually it's a knitting needle" are NOT helpful and will be removed, even if it is actually a knitting needle. Comments that attempt to provide some sort of context info to the OP ("Knitting is a widespread hobby, and did you know that Mr. Rogers’ mother knit all his sweaters?") are also NOT HELPFUL, as they don't identify the item.
Please be considerate of the original poster as all top level comments are sent to their inbox. They want genuine ANSWERS, not JOKES and other unhelpful responses
A "TOP LEVEL" comment is any comment added using the large text box visible when the OP's post is opened. It does not mean a highly upvoted comment. Rule 2 applies even if the post has been solved.
If you’re replying to someone ELSE's comment, feel free to joke or discuss there as this is a lower level comment. As long as you're following reddiquette and Rule 1, we don't police comments on comments.
3) The "No establishing values or finding things" rule
We don't establish values or help in locating things, and this isn't the place to buy or sell things. Try /r/whatsthisworth or /r/helpmefind.
4) The "We're not doctors" rule
We don't allow posts requesting medical information. This includes requests to identify pills, capsules, or any other drug or possible drug. We're not doctors. Try in /r/askdocs. If it's something about your pet or livestock, try /r/askvets.
5) The "Don't encourage hurting people or animals" rule
Posts that suggest actions that may harm a person or animal ("taste it" or "hit it with a hammer" or "kill it with fire") are not allowed, will be removed, and will subject you to a ban.
6) The "Use a descriptive title*" rule
Your title should include the geographic location of where the object was found (e.g. "Northern England"), along with more specific location context (e.g. "in my grandmother's garden"), especially if it's something in nature like a plant or animal. Do not submit a title that just includes something like "What is this?" You are in /r/whatisthis. That you want to know what something is is self-evident. Describe the thing to the best of your ability in the title and give the context. Posts whose titles provide no information may be removed.
7) NEW The "Did you try to figure it out yourself?" rule
If there are words on your object, you should have done an internet search for those words.
If you are in a place where you can ask someone, ask them. "What is this in my office?" should be directed at your boss. "What is this in my apartment?" should be directed at your landlord. "What is this in my egg foo yung?" should be directed to your server. If you can take time to photograph it, you can take time to ask someone on the spot.
Violations of this are subject to removal.
8) NEW The "You know what that is already, ask THOSE experts first please" rule
If you know what it is, but want more info, please try a more specific subreddit. "What's this old car?" means you know it's a car, so ask in /r/cars. "Can you tell me about this sword?" means you know it's a sword, ask first in /r/swords. Use /r/findareddit to find the most appropriate sub. There's also a list of other helpful identification subreddits in the sidebar (or, for mobile users, in the "about" info). If you're looking for something (If your post says "Where can I get one of these?" or words to that effect) please repost in /r/helpmefind. Posts that violate this may be removed/redirected.
9) NEW The "We only allow link posts, so use a good photo and add extra info in a comment" rule
We only allow link posts, so a descriptive title is important. You should be providing clear photographs, of all sides of the object if possible, including any text (which you will, of course, have already googled). We recommend Imgur for image hosting: upload all of your images into a single album, and post a link to the album as your post. It's free and easy. If you have additional context beyond the title, please make a top-level comment on your own post with as much extra information as you have.
If your unidentified item is on another website, or is another website, please post a screenshot rather than a link to a web page; many people will not click an unidentified link. Provide a link or the URL in a comment. Posts that violate this may be removed.
• Today's Open Cases
• Today's Solved Cases
• This Week's Open Cases
• This Week's Solved Cases
Other Helpful Subreddits:
- /r/whatsthisbird
- /r/whatsthisbug
- /r/whatsthisfish
- /r/whatsthisplant
- /r/WhatIsThisPainting
- /r/whatsthisrock
- /r/IdentifyThisFont
- /r/animalid
- /r/Hallmarks
- /r/coins
- /r/fossilid
- /r/Horticulture
- /r/mycology
- /r/species
- /r/spiders
- /r/WildlifeRehab
- /r/Tools
- /r/translation
- /r/translator
If you need help finding a Subreddit: /r/findareddit
/r/Whatisthis
224,563 Subscribers
What is this vehicle
Was scrolling through some photos I have of an NTC rotation. Came across this picture of presumably some sort of tracked US Army vehicle on a hilltop. No clue what it is though.
03:00 UTC
Trying to find this specific dog toy
It’s a three segmented red fox toy for dogs and it had a squeaker in each segment. The original tag was purple, but is no longer legible.
02:59 UTC
What is this bizarre thing painted on the table at a Mexican restaurant?
02:06 UTC
My uncle found it behind his barn yesterday. Any ideas
02:00 UTC
This came in the goodie bag from the dentist.
I thought maybe a gum massager or something to do with dental floss but I can't seem to find anything using Google lens.
It's just one solid piece of plastic.
01:52 UTC
Animal (Rodent?) found in attic in southeastern PA. Any clue what this is?
00:21 UTC
What is this U type metal for in this construction site?
I stumble upong this wierd football goal post-like part on this construction site. The building itself looks like modular. What is this for?
00:20 UTC
What does this sign on the back of a truck in Moscow mean? Found it on Google maps while playing GeoGuessr.
00:20 UTC
What is this? Found in the trunk of a car bought from a dealership recently
The 4 bolts have something to do with lug nuts? Not sure what though
No idea what the hook is
I asked the salesman/finance manager I worked with and they’re not sure
23:39 UTC
I know it isn’t exactly an object but what is this odd colored box I constantly see plaster EVERYWHERE across Philly?
I always see these odd colored boxes that are slightly miscolored boxes all over Philadelphia and I cannot for the life of me find out what they are.
Once I first started getting curious on what they were I did the obvious and searched it up… only to find absolutely nothing. I see so much stuff related to the topic yet not a single answer. So it’s time I ask Reddit, the fuck are these?
23:06 UTC
On the ceiling of a 1916 loft apartment
I live in a loft apartment that was originally built in 1916 as a wine distribution warehouse. These are scattered throughout my ceiling, but I’m unsure of what they’re for. Any ideas?
22:55 UTC
Just moved into a new place. I have some white stuff on the ceiling. What is it? Seems like the wall is melting too? water damage? Is not wet.
22:48 UTC
What is this shape?
This is a mold with a bunch of other sea shapes but u cannot figure out what shape this is supposed to be??
22:29 UTC
What is this thing I found with my grandmother's sewing supplies?
I have no idea what this is. I inherited a lot of my oma's sewing supplies after she passed many years ago, and this thing I've never figured out. The top is blunt, but the bar seems to be spring loaded? I can push it down into the handle and it pops back out. I believe it's something sewing related, but it could be something else entirely - there was a lot of random junk in with the sewing stuff to be fair 😅 just curious what it is!
22:24 UTC
Came with our thanksgiving turkey
What part of the animal is this? Is there a particular way this should be cooked?
22:14 UTC
Need help identifying these vases
does anyone have information on these vases?
I want to know where they are sold and who manufactured/designed them.
22:04 UTC
Found these 5 in a plastic bag at the thrift store. Are they galileo thermometer baubles?
There are no markings on these or even an indication that they used to have the temperature tags due to the absence of the hooks. I added them to a vase of water and 2 of them floated while 3 sank ( 1 out of the 3 partially floated). I don't have any other ideas as to what they could be. Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.
20:17 UTC