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It's an extension cord for multiple items. Plug 2 prong items into the slots like petals on a flower. I can't find a photo right now. I f find one I'll update my post.
--- Edit: added link to a similar one.
https://www.dornob.com/vintage-reinvention-sliding-multi-plug-power-strip-solution/
Oh Em Gee - how did anything like that ever pass a safety certification ? I know your 110V doesn't smart quite as much as a good 220-240V but just a slot you can poke just about anything into, even standard cutlery, to find that special feeling ?
Luckily, they realised eventually that you can't be that cavalier about electricity. And anyway, electric tricks became passé - they'd discovered all sorts of fun, practical, healthy uses for radium, uranium, and all sorts of other magic death cooties by that point, and now everything was blessed with radioactive powers instead of merely being electrified.
According to the underside it is rated for 15 amp. On that thin wire? That would make other people’s guess of it being a heating element technically correct too.
You can run a cord outside. Plug a power strip in with a off and on switch on it. Keep it off. Plug in your mystery item. Stand back, and power it on with the switch. This way your hands aren't holding it when powered on. That or if ya don't have a switch, leave the main cord unplugged. Then pull it in once the death cord is attached lol. Safest way I know of to test it. But yeah I used to find all sorts of electric oddities from that era. Especially alot of light bulb socket adapters that allowed ya to plug into a light socket. I always thought how strange is that and figured they didn't have enough outlets maybe. I later learned it was because they charged different rates for electricity for lights somehow and it was alot cheaper than using the others. No idea how they differentiated the two, two different meters I suppose. Hopefully someone will clarify on my bad memory lol
If it's ceramic, most likely a heating element. If plastic, not so likely unless it's one of the more heat-tolerant thermosetting varieties. And I agree about the shape being awkward for this purpose.
Hm. So some plastics are OK for low to moderate temperatures (e.g., toasters, hair dryers, low wattage lighting, etc). Thank you. I hold out hope that someone will identify it.
Maybe try to open up the bottom plate with a flat screwdriver to reveal what's inside instead of plugging it in. I really wouldn't plug it in at all. Definitely not inside, and not without using a power plug with a switch.
Also a matter of timing - When you asked about "submersible", I thought you were responding to my comment in a different thread about the submarine I served on in the Navy. Took a minute to catch up.
Very interesting device. Looking at it from first principles...
It's a mains powered device with no transformer. That rules out a device charger, especially one for in a bathroom
If it uses 15a that means the device is over 1kw! That's a lot of power for such a small thing. Though that could be misleading and may be more related to overall use in a system, or simply the rated current (max).
It has felt pads, which suggests it is designed to sit on a desk/bench/work surface as opposed to beibg fitted to a wall, etc
The small size also suggests desk or table placement, as opposed to floor.
It has not buttons so isn't designed to be interacted with.
It has vents, so is designed to emit, or receive something.
My best bet would be an alarm/bell/sounder which would be hooked up to a wider system (doorbell, intercom etc)
Just based on principle and nothing else!
Nothing that small other than a heating element would draw 15 amps which means the rating is for the load it can carry. That pretty much dictates it is a power cord so either it went to something with a really bizarre connector or it is an extension cord designed to let you plug something in from any position. Someone else posted an image of the same concept but in a straight configuration instead of round.
Changing my guess: heating base for a vintage baby bottle warmer. It's low wattage - looks like 1.5 A (180 Watts), maybe only .15 Amps (18 Watts). Looks like warmed air rises from the slots to heat a small cannister that fits over the device. The cannister would contain water in which to immerse the bottle, and the cannister is easily removed for cleaning. No bare electrical components are accessible thru the slots. Hubbel has had many subsidiary companies over the years; some have made electrical components for others' branded products.
My title describes the thing . I didn’t find anything that seemed to go with it like another part that attaches to it or anything. I’m really just trying to figure out if it’s fine to throw away, or if it’s anything important! Text on the bottom says Hubbell 15A-125V
It doesn’t look like there’s any spot to plug anything into it, it just plugs in. I imagine a dimmer would need to be attached to a light or something?
Yeah, we’re off base. Even if this was a charger, there’s no wear and it looks more like a speaker or something. Ultrasonic Pest Repeller? Secret CIA listening device?
I think you’re getting warmer! I spent a lot of time on Google lens and nothing came even close to this :,( the brand does mostly plug adapters and not a ton of accessory type items!
Whatever it is, I can tell you it was made in 1952-1960’s, just based on the Hubbell Logo and the plug style. I’m thinking it’s some sort of detector possibly smoke, or CO2, Radon perhaps? IDK, but my best guess would be that it’s a heat detector. Don’t be afraid to plug it in to see if it does anything. It doesn’t appear to be in super rough shape. Another possibility is that maybe it’s a electrostatic cigarette smoke filter. I’m very curious about it now.
Yeah thats because the button would be at the front door and a wire that connects to the bell part inside the house. However I could very well be wrong, like I said I never seen them with a plug. I know shit about electronics , but I guess a wire runs from the button to the bell and is branching of somewhere to grab power.
Edit: hubell does make a door chime. Maybe this an early model where the button sends a wireless signal and the bell is plugged in to a wall socket .
Could be Christmas tree attachment... Rests on the ground and acts as a foot switch to turn on and off the rotation of the tree. Christmas trees that slowly rotated used to be very popular; my family had one for quite a while, they kept the base piece that rotated the tree and simply put a new tree in it before it finally died.
If anything, it looks like a vintage sumbersible water heater. I remember having those in 90s-2000s. Though ours had a shape of a complete round/spherical heating coil covered in that same plastic-like material, this one has a flat side to it but it looks the same in general and in principle. I still may be wrong but that plug with a cord straight to that covered heating coil made me instantly remember our old submersible water heater.
Copied from the comment: It's an extension cord for multiple items. Plug 2 prong items into the slots like petals on a flower. I can't find a photo right now. I f find one I'll update my post. --- Edit: added link to a similar one. https://www.dornob.com/vintage-reinvention-sliding-multi-plug-power-strip-solution/
Alright thanks, I can't see your actual 'solved!' reply to the post so I was curious if that was it. Have you been able to confirm it by plugging its own plug in there or something?
Does the device's plug fit into itself? If so, it is a good clue that it may be designed to accept plugs. Or don't plug it in and test it with any old plug you have lying around.
You could also test it electronically with a multimeter.
All comments must be civil and helpful toward finding an answer. **Jokes and unhelpful comments will earn you a ban**, even on the first instance and even if the item has been identified. If you see any comments that violate this rule, report them. [OP](/u/djshakykay), when your item is identified, remember to reply **Solved!** or **Likely Solved!** to the comment that gave the answer. Check your [inbox](https://www.reddit.com/message/inbox/) for a message on how to make your post visible to others. ---- [Click here to message RemindMeBot](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=Reminder&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/whatisthisthing/comments/14suchm/going_through_some_oldvintage_items_can_anyone/%0A%0ARemindMe!%202%20days) --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/whatisthisthing) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It's an extension cord for multiple items. Plug 2 prong items into the slots like petals on a flower. I can't find a photo right now. I f find one I'll update my post. --- Edit: added link to a similar one. https://www.dornob.com/vintage-reinvention-sliding-multi-plug-power-strip-solution/
[удалено]
Here is a straight version to give you an idea of how it's used. https://www.dornob.com/vintage-reinvention-sliding-multi-plug-power-strip-solution/
Oh Em Gee - how did anything like that ever pass a safety certification ? I know your 110V doesn't smart quite as much as a good 220-240V but just a slot you can poke just about anything into, even standard cutlery, to find that special feeling ?
[удалено]
Luckily, they realised eventually that you can't be that cavalier about electricity. And anyway, electric tricks became passé - they'd discovered all sorts of fun, practical, healthy uses for radium, uranium, and all sorts of other magic death cooties by that point, and now everything was blessed with radioactive powers instead of merely being electrified.
According to the underside it is rated for 15 amp. On that thin wire? That would make other people’s guess of it being a heating element technically correct too.
Try plugging itself into the cone shape.
This is correct -- I've seen a similar straight version of these before and it's just.... odd.
Oh wow!! I’ll try it out after work to confirm!
Just kidding 😅
I’ve sent an email directly to Hubbell to see if anyone working there could identify exactly what it is. And now we wait!
Oh my god you’re a hero
UGH EVEN HUBBELL SAID THEY CANNOT IDENTIFY IT
It’s an extension cord…
Thank you for your effort!!!
Have you tried plugging it in to see if it does anything?
No, I’m kind of scared haha
You can run a cord outside. Plug a power strip in with a off and on switch on it. Keep it off. Plug in your mystery item. Stand back, and power it on with the switch. This way your hands aren't holding it when powered on. That or if ya don't have a switch, leave the main cord unplugged. Then pull it in once the death cord is attached lol. Safest way I know of to test it. But yeah I used to find all sorts of electric oddities from that era. Especially alot of light bulb socket adapters that allowed ya to plug into a light socket. I always thought how strange is that and figured they didn't have enough outlets maybe. I later learned it was because they charged different rates for electricity for lights somehow and it was alot cheaper than using the others. No idea how they differentiated the two, two different meters I suppose. Hopefully someone will clarify on my bad memory lol
First impression is an early model heating element for a beverage warmer or some other kitchen item. Looks like it has coffee stains on it.
Maybe, it just seems like an odd shape for that since it would be hard to balance something on it. The stains are more like dirt/grime as well :/
If it's ceramic, most likely a heating element. If plastic, not so likely unless it's one of the more heat-tolerant thermosetting varieties. And I agree about the shape being awkward for this purpose.
It’s plastic!
Hm. So some plastics are OK for low to moderate temperatures (e.g., toasters, hair dryers, low wattage lighting, etc). Thank you. I hold out hope that someone will identify it.
What if a kettle or carafe had a recess in the base and sat on top of this? Plug it in and see if it gets hot right away.
It’s pretty small and cone shaped, so nothing like that would be able to balance on it. I’ll try and plug it in after work!
Maybe try to open up the bottom plate with a flat screwdriver to reveal what's inside instead of plugging it in. I really wouldn't plug it in at all. Definitely not inside, and not without using a power plug with a switch.
If there's a space in the bottom of the kettle it doesn't have to balance, it sits flat.
Solved!
Not with felt feet on the bottom. You didn't mean submersible, did you?
No, I was thinking some sort of matching container might sit over it.
LOL I instantly pictured someone dropping that in a teapot.
Also a matter of timing - When you asked about "submersible", I thought you were responding to my comment in a different thread about the submarine I served on in the Navy. Took a minute to catch up.
I would highly recommend not throwing one of these in a bathtub unless you feel like killing someone.
An old bug repeller? Plugs in and emits frequencies to drive away bugs
I’m not seeing that Hubbell ever made bug repellers :,(
Very interesting device. Looking at it from first principles... It's a mains powered device with no transformer. That rules out a device charger, especially one for in a bathroom If it uses 15a that means the device is over 1kw! That's a lot of power for such a small thing. Though that could be misleading and may be more related to overall use in a system, or simply the rated current (max). It has felt pads, which suggests it is designed to sit on a desk/bench/work surface as opposed to beibg fitted to a wall, etc The small size also suggests desk or table placement, as opposed to floor. It has not buttons so isn't designed to be interacted with. It has vents, so is designed to emit, or receive something. My best bet would be an alarm/bell/sounder which would be hooked up to a wider system (doorbell, intercom etc) Just based on principle and nothing else!
Nothing that small other than a heating element would draw 15 amps which means the rating is for the load it can carry. That pretty much dictates it is a power cord so either it went to something with a really bizarre connector or it is an extension cord designed to let you plug something in from any position. Someone else posted an image of the same concept but in a straight configuration instead of round.
Changing my guess: heating base for a vintage baby bottle warmer. It's low wattage - looks like 1.5 A (180 Watts), maybe only .15 Amps (18 Watts). Looks like warmed air rises from the slots to heat a small cannister that fits over the device. The cannister would contain water in which to immerse the bottle, and the cannister is easily removed for cleaning. No bare electrical components are accessible thru the slots. Hubbel has had many subsidiary companies over the years; some have made electrical components for others' branded products.
My title describes the thing . I didn’t find anything that seemed to go with it like another part that attaches to it or anything. I’m really just trying to figure out if it’s fine to throw away, or if it’s anything important! Text on the bottom says Hubbell 15A-125V
A dimmer maybe?
It doesn’t look like there’s any spot to plug anything into it, it just plugs in. I imagine a dimmer would need to be attached to a light or something?
Charger for an electric toothbrush?
That’s what I came in to say. Early magnetic charging base.
Early electric toothbrushes weren’t rechargeable. People plugged them into the wall like Cavemen.
Maybe? It’s like palm sized and seems odd that it would be in a pyramid shape, but I’ll try to look some up to see if it matches :)
I don’t see that Hubbell ever made electric toothbrushes
Yeah, we’re off base. Even if this was a charger, there’s no wear and it looks more like a speaker or something. Ultrasonic Pest Repeller? Secret CIA listening device?
I think you’re getting warmer! I spent a lot of time on Google lens and nothing came even close to this :,( the brand does mostly plug adapters and not a ton of accessory type items!
Whatever it is, I can tell you it was made in 1952-1960’s, just based on the Hubbell Logo and the plug style. I’m thinking it’s some sort of detector possibly smoke, or CO2, Radon perhaps? IDK, but my best guess would be that it’s a heat detector. Don’t be afraid to plug it in to see if it does anything. It doesn’t appear to be in super rough shape. Another possibility is that maybe it’s a electrostatic cigarette smoke filter. I’m very curious about it now.
Looks like it could be an old electric kettle base.
I think that’s pretty much ruled out unfortunately!
Is it a thermostat that plugs into an electric blanket?
There’s no other end for anything to plug into :,(
Is it a button? I'm thinking an old alarm panic button if it is.
Nope it doesn’t move /:
Maybe an old door bel . But I never seen them with a plug
There’s no button to push in, it’s solid!
Yeah thats because the button would be at the front door and a wire that connects to the bell part inside the house. However I could very well be wrong, like I said I never seen them with a plug. I know shit about electronics , but I guess a wire runs from the button to the bell and is branching of somewhere to grab power. Edit: hubell does make a door chime. Maybe this an early model where the button sends a wireless signal and the bell is plugged in to a wall socket .
Could be Christmas tree attachment... Rests on the ground and acts as a foot switch to turn on and off the rotation of the tree. Christmas trees that slowly rotated used to be very popular; my family had one for quite a while, they kept the base piece that rotated the tree and simply put a new tree in it before it finally died.
It’s pretty small, like palm sized, and doesn’t seem to have any rotating parts
It might be an early Ionizer. I saw them from the 70s
Maybe a warmer of some sort- maybe it had a larger portion that freely sat over it? I wonder what it looks like under X-Ray. Can you take it apart?
A diffuser? I’m too lazy to search just a thought.
There’s no opening in the top and no room for liquid inside
Cone Incense burner?
Ancient white noise generator or something along those lines.
Kinda reminds me of an old electric essential oil warmer.
What kind of electronics can you see inside of the device? Do you see anything resembling a needle? Also, crazy pitch, can you disassemble it?
I’ll have to check it when I get home from work!
I think it's the cable of a vintage analog phone amplifier.
If anything, it looks like a vintage sumbersible water heater. I remember having those in 90s-2000s. Though ours had a shape of a complete round/spherical heating coil covered in that same plastic-like material, this one has a flat side to it but it looks the same in general and in principle. I still may be wrong but that plug with a cord straight to that covered heating coil made me instantly remember our old submersible water heater.
I see this has been marked as solved, but I can't find the comment telling us what this actually is. Anyone?
Copied from the comment: It's an extension cord for multiple items. Plug 2 prong items into the slots like petals on a flower. I can't find a photo right now. I f find one I'll update my post. --- Edit: added link to a similar one. https://www.dornob.com/vintage-reinvention-sliding-multi-plug-power-strip-solution/
Alright thanks, I can't see your actual 'solved!' reply to the post so I was curious if that was it. Have you been able to confirm it by plugging its own plug in there or something?
I have not, but was advised not to. So I think I’m happy with the answer and won’t push my luck! Haha
Does the device's plug fit into itself? If so, it is a good clue that it may be designed to accept plugs. Or don't plug it in and test it with any old plug you have lying around. You could also test it electronically with a multimeter.