Top Ten Mystery Antiques for 2011

This interesting piece was not an antique or even vintage. But that doesn't mean it was easy to solve. Every suggestion given was tried out until there was one that worked and was finally obvious. And after I told the person who gave it to me what it was, I had to give it back to her!

This Kovsh stumped every one, but then again it's not something that most of us have around or can even afford to have sitting on the shelf. I've never heard of a Kovsh before, now I am waiting for the chance to see if (the word) it will work in online word games.

The antique piece sold at auction for $13,000.

Twenty-five responses were given to this mystery item before it finally was solved -- and some people still didn't quite believe it. The piece was made in the 1913 - 1915 time frame and was one of those things that looked like a great idea, but apparently didn't work very well.

This carpenter tool even had woodworkers stumped. Perhaps because it was an antique version not seen today? But if you're building your own home, it still works great. At a price of $125. I was tempted to bring it home as a conversation piece, but finally talked myself out of it. Thanks goodness, not even sure where I would put it.

One of my favorites of the year, even after it was correctly guessed and seconded, folks still thought it was something entirely different. Fun and very seasonal, but another item that was a great idea that didn't work well and the reason not too many are seen today.

I should know better than to post something farm-related. It doesn't take long for the correct answer to be given. But it really doesn't matter, I still loved this piece, as well as all my farm-collector readers, who are so quick to respond.

Not a great picture, but this reader-submitted item is still a stumper. We "think" we know what it is, but not completely sure. Have any thoughts or ideas on how this might be used?

This is something my husband would appreciate having, if he could figure out just how to use it. The antique piece from the 1800s sold for $410 at auction. Yes, it is a sad iron, but the fun part is what it was used to iron.

A delicate, lovely piece of porcelain that was finally solved -- thanks to an expert who happened to see the picture. We were even treated to a detailed description on just how it was used. Who would have thought?

This 3.5" silver-plated item was confusing to many readers, in fact the correct answer was never guessed. Give it another try, but I am wondering just what types of get-together the ladies might have been attending for this to be part of their tool set!

The biggest mystery of all has been blogged about several times over the past few years and no one has been able to figure this out yet.

I've handled the tool and although I don't know what it is, it's not any of the things that has been guessed yet. The industrial oily smell and feel, along with the extreme heaviness rules out an animal comb. Any other thoughts or ideas?