I have a feeling this is an easy one for most of you. Tell me what you think.

• Size: Approximately 10"
• Material: Wood and metal

Thoughts, comments, guesses? The correct answer and the most creative answer gets a mention in next week's newsletter -- so tell me what you think!

Check out last week's Mystery and see if you were close!

• Ten Most Challenging Mystery Antiques
• Around About: Pictures of the Week

Yes there are collectors who do just that == collect hair. It all started back in the Victorian era, but today is a multi-million dollar hobby according to the New York Times article A Little off the Top for History.

Behind the glass, the curly black clumps looked like a worthless old Brillo pad. But Mr. Reznikoff, 48, said the $500,000 pièce de résistance was something far more precious: a strand of hair from Abraham Lincoln, taken from the 16th president on his deathbed.
Read more . . . .

Also see: Collecting the Weird and Unusual

People who sell a lot are already aware of the free boxes available from the United States Post Office, but did you realize that there are also boxes available that are co-branded from eBay. Yep, free boxes from the Post Office, but also with an eBay name on it. It can add a bit of a professional touch to your packing and since they're free, why not?

• Free eBay and USPS Boxes
• Packing a Breakable

When I was wandering around an antique mall this week, I came across this thing. It's metal, fairly lightweight for the size and as you can see by the seller's tag, they also have no idea what it is. It had curious little "pockets" around the base in several locations, not sure what purpose they served. No other holes or openings other than what is on top. I have no idea what it is -- do you?

• Size: Approximately 24"
• Markings: None

THE ANSWER:
if you scroll down one of the guesses from Nancy and Gary was a Cream Separator, even including a picture. This piece is apparently up-side down, so when it's turned the right-side up, it takes on a different look. Yes, it is a Cream Separator and the Dairy Antiques website has another picture of it (scroll down a bit), along with more information on how it worked. Thanks for all the guesses and help!

Check out last week's Mystery and see if you were close!

• Ten Most Challenging Mystery Antiques
• Around About: Pictures of the Week