this post was submitted on 24 Apr 2026
69 points (98.6% liked)

What is this thing?

8249 readers
17 users here now

Let us help you identify that mysterious object you’ve found.

Currently in CHALLENGE mode: If you've got something obscure knocking about, post a picture, and let's see how we do. Please prefix such posts with "CHALLENGE:" so we know we've got a fighting chance.

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

I have been trying to identify this cylinder that I found on a walk. What could it's purpose be?

Top of the cylinder with wiring on the top

top 20 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] finalarbiter@piefed.social 40 points 2 days ago (2 children)

The cylinder must remain unharmed

[–] pastermil@sh.itjust.works 9 points 2 days ago

It is imperative.

[–] Zorque@lemmy.world 7 points 2 days ago

Please do not bully the cylinder.

[–] Successful_Try543@feddit.org 39 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (2 children)

Given the originally red colour, the slender shape and the mounting, it was probably a gas bottle for acetylene. The valve is missing. The text mentions "Duisburg", probably the location of the manufacturer.

EDIT: Acetylene bottles have thead for a protective cap. So my next guess is a fire extinguisher.

[–] clucose@lemmy.ml 12 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Acetylene and then you jump to fire extinguisher.

I hope I‘m not near you when you try to fight a fire.

[–] Knossos@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

We played with the contrast of the picture and we think the first "u" looks like it is actually an "M". 🤔

[–] Successful_Try543@feddit.org 6 points 2 days ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

No, it's lower part is missing. Same for the B. The text says ~G?S DUISBURG. I can't decipher the name of the company completely ~~, probably RHEINGAS.~~

[–] Opisek@piefed.blahaj.zone 6 points 1 day ago

It's imperative that the cylinder remains unharmed.

[–] lurch@sh.itjust.works 15 points 2 days ago
[–] blimthepixie@lemmy.dbzer0.com 21 points 2 days ago (3 children)

What sound does it make if you hit it with a stick?

[–] VaalaVasaVarde@sopuli.xyz 14 points 2 days ago

I would say that a sledgehammer would be the right tool here.

[–] Knossos@lemmy.world 12 points 2 days ago

We rapped on the side and it felt very solid, we didn't think to whack it with a stick.

[–] OwOarchist@pawb.social 3 points 1 day ago

What happens if you light it on fire?

[–] over_clox@lemmy.world 12 points 2 days ago

I can't read rusty foreign text very well, but if I had to guess, it probably loosely translates to something like..

'DON'T FUCK WITH ME, BOOM BOOM'

[–] Nikokin@lemmy.world 9 points 2 days ago

Boba fett vibes

[–] RobotToaster@mander.xyz 2 points 1 day ago

The green colour makes me think it's a halon fire extinguisher.

[–] quediuspayu@lemmy.dbzer0.com 7 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Green is usually for Argon or other inert gases.

[–] Successful_Try543@feddit.org 5 points 2 days ago

It's red underneath

That's a gas cylinder. Does it have a window shape on it like this ⊞? U find bottle still in use around Europe with that on it. The ⊞ used to be a swassticker but welded over and the cylinders still in use today.

[–] ryannathans@aussie.zone 1 points 1 day ago

Fire extinguisher the vibes tell me