What in the world is this?
This block and cylinder of unknown substances were probably made in or around Washington at least 65 years ago. What they were used for is anyone’s guess. But we’re hoping one or two of our readers can enlighten us to their purpose and maybe tell us where and why they were made.
The print found in the Observer-Reporter’s archives has a stamp on the back indicating it was made by Daniel A. Harbaugh, who began taking pictures in the earliest years of the 20th century and kept at it until he closed his studio in 1951. Apparently, Harbaugh was regularly hired to photograph products; quite a few of the images of more recognizable objects have been found in the archives.
Unfortunately, no unrelated object, like a quarter or dime, was placed in the photo to indicate relative size. So, these things could be tiny or quite large.
If you think you know what these things are or where they were made, email Park Burroughs, retired executive editor, at pburroughs@observer-reporter.com, or call and leave a message for him along with your telephone number at 724-222-2200, extension 2400. With a little help from our readers, we may be able to solve this puzzle and publish our findings next Monday.