Guess What Article for November 2003 The Journal of Antiques & Collectibles
By Bob Cahn, “The Primitive Man”

In the three years of this column’s existence, we’ve never been accused of hang-ups – until this month’s GUESS WHAT. What we have is something that thrives primarily as a hang-up, even though it can function just as well standing on its own non-footed bottom. The two views reveal full disclosure – no secrets.

We respect your visual acumen, so mentioning that it is heavy glass (C.1900) seems a bit redundant. Size to help form a referential perspective; height-8” x diameter-71/2”; hole diameter-3”. Armed with these semi-pertinent facts, can you pick the correct answer, lurking and smirking among the impostors.

Is it:

1. Grape dehydrating bell (raisin maker)
2. Weather station rain measuring jar
3. Communal firefly lighting lantern
4. Early chemical-filled “smash-in-case-of-fire” extinguisher
5. Ragweed pollen sampling and gathering device
6. Orchard frost-prevention smudge pot
7. Flying insect trap
8. Hum-ming bird feeding station
9. Plant terrarium
10. Queen bee’s laboratory see-through hive.

This list of plausibility’s was designed to torment you. Let us know if we succeeded. Till next time!*

* from the devious collection of Dennis Fuse, Redding, Conn.

Answer to October 2003 ‘Guess What?’

Last month’s well-designed and well-thought out GUESS WHAT was a combination brass wallpaper trimmer with a wooden built-in roller handle – as well as featuring a spring-activated safety cover – which allowed the worker to carry it in his overall pocket without fear of shredding or amputation.*

* from the well-designed collection of Mike Goodman, Vermont and Florida

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