If you're a horror movie fan, you probably think that nothing good can come from rummaging about inside the walls of an old house (remember The Conjuring or The Boy?). Luckily, we're here to change your mind!
You see, some folks have found some pretty fascinating and interesting antiquities in their attics, basements, or some old forgotten closets. There's a group on Facebook titled "Things Found in Walls - And Other Hidden Findings" where people share all kinds of unique finds, not just those that come from inside their home's walls.
If you're a lover of antiquities, strange objects, and family heirlooms, scroll down to see the most fascinating entries from the group's community!
More info: Facebook
#1 My Electricity Was Out Yesterday So I Decided To Pull Out A Book To Read To Save My Phone Battery
I had bought the book at a used bookstore some time ago. I discovered this old money among the pages of the book.
Image credits: Susan Kennedy Stover
#2 Another Shed Find: 1934 Wm A. Rogers "Malibu" Design, Silver-Plated, Slotted Pie Server
Not Worth Much On The Collector's Market, But I'm Keeping It Anyway Because I Love The Art Deco Design.
Image credits: Bonnie Coffey Cannone
#3 Amber Glass Marble. Found Under Dirt Just Outside My Basement Door. Was Gardening, Found It Sitting Right In Front Of Me After A Good Rain
Image credits: Kaija Bretzius
Hiding items in the walls of a house may seem bonkers, but it's actually a practice that has a long history behind it. As Joseph Heathcott, an architectural historian and urbanist who teaches at the New School in New York, explained to the New York Times, this practice is called 'immurement'.
It's an ancient practice that stretches across many different cultures and civilizations. "The history of Freemasonry traces its origins to the rituals of concealment by masons, sealing up secrets in their buildings," he explained. Take the artifacts Egyptian Pharaohs entombed in pyramids, or ritual objects in the walls of Roman villas.
#4 When My Dad Passed Away Recently, I Found These Things. They Belonged To His Older Sister That Passed Away At The Age Of 16 In 1940. I’ll Show You Guys More Later If You’d Like
Image credits: Tony Brown
#5 My Boyfriend Found This A While Ago And It’s Been Sitting In His Closet For Years, We Thought It Was An Old Mirror
Tonight he says “oh I never noticed the lady in there” Turns out it’s a Victorian era daguerreotype
Image credits: Chelsea Catherine
#6 While Moving Your Couch I Put A Golf Ball Size Pole In Our Hallway Wall
I was missing a set of keys and thought my kids might have dropped them in the hole, I cut a lower hole and found all this, no keys but it made my day.
Image credits: Daniel Kitchel
Granted, immurement also meant burying a person alive, sometimes as a form of torture and punishment. However, sometimes it was performed on purpose or for ascetic reasons, with people even volunteering to be buried alive.
In Ancient Rome, the Vestal Virgins were immured if they broke their chastity vows as form of punishment. In 1660, Indian prince Shah Shuja and his family were "closely confined in their apartments" and left to pass away from hunger.
#7 Long Time Member First Time Poster. I'm Excited To Finally Have Something To Post
While this wasn't found in a wall, but inside a local thrift store. I husband and I live in Canada in the same city that he grew up in. He and I were in a local thrift store a few weeks ago looking for things for our home. He stops infront of me and says "holy s***"! I look up to see this picture. He goes on to tell me that his mother used to have this hanging on her wall when he was growing up. He took this picture and sent it to my brother-in-law, who showed my mother-in-law. Low and behold it's the same exact picture. Same frame, same wire on the back, everything. This picture was a wedding gift to my mother-in-law and went missing about 25 years ago.
Image credits: Robert Newart
#8 I Pass By This Old Mailbox Every Day
The old rusty box is nailed to an oak that has to be 150 years old. After years of passing it by, I decided to open the box to see if anything was inside. After all, there isn’t even a house nearby to which it could serve anyway. Any home it serviced long ago is torn down, I’m sure. I noticed an old letter inside, as you can see in picture #2. I looked at the postmark date, and it said July 7, 1903! Due to age and moisture, the addressee on the envelope was not readable, so I opened up the envelope hoping to find some local history and a good story I could share with you. Here is what the letter inside said. “We have been trying to reach you about your vehicle’s extended warranty.”
Image credits: Shattelle Shelly McLin
#9 Not Found In A Wall But Found Elsewhere. Anyone Know Any Info On The Serial Number On Back? I Know It’s A Pb Key, Just Looking For More Info
Image credits: Josh Blair
In Mongolia, people used immurement to bury their Khan. According to the traveler Ibn Battuta, "a large sepulcher was dug for him under the earth, in which a most beautiful couch was spread, and the Khan was with his weapons laid upon it. With him they placed all the gold and silver vessels he had in his house, together with four female slaves, and six of his favorite Mamluks, with a few vessels of drink."
#10 When The Walls Consists Of Things
From a Norwegian newspaper in november 1947. Roughly translated: "In a time with few houses, one must make do with what is available. In the US empty ammunition boxes are sold for 24 cents a piece to war veterans. For a price of 3000 dollars one can build a practical four rooms house. Here are some carpenters building a house of boxes." Wonder if any of those houses are still standing? 3000 USD in 1947 is about 41k USD today.
Image credits: Tormod Christiansen
#11 Anyone Good With Antiques, Typewriters Specifically, On Here?
I Have A Company Here Doing The Insulation In Our Attic And They Needed To Cut Some Access Holes In The Closet Upstairs For, I Don't Know What For, But Anyway, Look What They Found In The Wall!
It's filthy, but it looks like it's just dusty, not rusty. I think it's amazing, but how do I go about cleaning it so that I can get it appraised ? I wonder what year it is, I looked it up, it looks like the 1920's possibly. I can't find a serial number yet, just the patent number. This sucker is HEAVY and filthy. Looks like I have a project on my hands, so fun !! But I need some advice on how to go about cleaning it.
Image credits: Tracey Tipton Morales
#12 I Pulled This Old Frame Out Of The Trash And When I Turned It Around Saw This - Andrew Whyeth Print Of Marsh Hawk, Signed
Image credits: Leslie Walker Kallen
But enough of this nightmare fuel—let's explore some of the things these people found in their houses, shall we?
First off, the physical Playboy Mansion key that one person found in their home. Did these really exist? Yes, up until 1966 Playboy made metal keys shaped like a rabbit head. Apparently, they're worth a pretty penny too, since you can buy them. Some are worth $690, while others are worth a mere $115.
#13 Found These Things At The Flea Market!
Once I opened them and found a century of family documentation, I knew I had to find its owners. They sold me everything for 8 bucks, I only found a few names to work off of in the photos and papers. It dates possibly anywhere from the 1800s to 1970s. The seller said they bought storage that wasnt paid after a woman passed away and it wasnt paid, her son refused to talk with anyone and they were informed he was a paranoid crackhead- which is normal for this area. So Im trying for other family members. Anything would help! Update: The great great grandaughter of the owner to those photos was found! She was incredibly gracious and said she never knew they existed. They are calling a family meeting and gonna try to find out more! Wild she lived 9 minutes away She took my name and number too in case they need more info
Image credits: Kyle Kowalevicz
#14 I Always Wondered Where My Drill Went, 25 Years Ago, So Happens The Contractor That Built Our Front Porch Took It Upon Himself To Borrow It From My Garage And Not Return It. I Can Finally Sleep Now
25 Years Ago, So Happens The Contractor That Built Our Front Porch Took It Upon Himself To Borrow It From My Garage And Not Return It. I Can Finally Sleep Now.
Image credits: Chris Daley
#15 I Found This On The Curb. I Has A Signature But I Can't Find Anything With The First Name Just The Last Name
Image credits: Katt Ramirez
In the 60s, the keys became keycards. They had the name of the member of the club on them and granted access to all Playboy clubs. All you had to do was present the key to the Door Bunny and you would be let inside. For some, owning the key was merely a status symbol. Only 21% of the key holders ever went to a club.
#16 Found Under The Trim Of A Home I'm Remodeled. Sterling Silver
Image credits: Travis Gerk
#17 Found This Cursed Mirror In My Designated Haunted Basement Laundry Room. No Copyright Visible So It Must’ve Been Some Kid’s Ia Project
Image credits: Ian Cashman
#18 Found This Guy In The Ground, About 9 In. Deep, At A Farm Built In 1806, The Back Of The Bottle Is Stamped 1818, I Cleaned It Out In The Duck Pool, Still In Really Good Shape
That is a crown on the front with a 1/10pt. Impression as well. Does anybody have any ideas or information?
Image credits: Krystal McMurray
Another person found a curious face jug at a hoarder's house. Historians call them 'face vessels'. According to the Smithsonian Institute, they originated in the South and were made by black slaves who worked as potters in the Edgefield District of South Carolina.
#19 Hello Guys, Can Anyone Help Me Know If This Pocket Watch Has Any Value Today?
Image credits: Benjamin Mendez
#20 Found In The Basement Of Our Old Farm House
Image credits: David Mass
#21 Was Cleaning Out My Neighbors House And We Noticed His Medicine Cabinet Was Loose And Pulled It Out
K.R. Haley Glass Company pacemaker horse ashtray with painted pale green tray and dark grey horse made in the 30s-40s behind it with a bunch of old newspapers
Image credits: Linda Moore
Historians say that their makers weren't skilled, and today, we can't identify who exactly made them. Some speculate that they may have been used in burials or for religious practices. The potters also could've been inspired by "the complex responses of people attempting to live and maintain their personal identities under harsh conditions."
#22 I Was Cleaning Out Behind My Washer An Dryer
Noticed A Piece Of Paper Balled Up So I Gave Them A Pull An Found 4 In Tack Pages Of The News Paper Published Sunday, Friday March 19 1976 Also First Time Poster So Super Excited Also Thought Some Of You Older Folks Would Love This Just As Much As I Did Finding It.
Image credits: Chase Nielsen
#23 A Few Of The Dropper Bottles I Have Dug!
Image credits: Amy Butt
#24 Found In An Old Building My Husband Demoed. 12 Months Of The Year Bears. Each One Is Dressed Like A Holiday Or Theme Of The Month. I Am Not Looking To Keep Them
Image credits: Jodi Ford
One person in the group may have even found a painting by the Italian artist Antonio DeVity. DeVity wasn't a world-famous painter, but his paintings are making the rounds in art auctions. His real name was Umberto Marone, and he's credited as one of the most important Neapolitan artists of the 1950s and 1960s. The prices for his paintings range from $15 to $1,854.
#25 Another Great Hoarders Home Find
Image credits: Amanda Panda
#26 My Grandmothers....is There A Market For This?
Image credits: Jen Rodriguez
#27 This Was Just Found In Between Two Walls At 72nd And Second Avenue When They Tore A Building Down
Sadly some overly zealous builders couldn't wait to start painting over it with the gray paint. Pearline Washing Compound was made from 1857 to 1926. It looks to me like it's been hidden since maybe the 1880s or 90s.
Image credits: Richard Kuekan
Another member of the group found a row of pennies stuck into the floor's baseboards. While it may seem like a silly teenager's way to cure boredom, some people actually do it out of superstition or as a tradition. Apparently, putting coins in the foundation can bring luck to those who live in that house.
#28 Hair Barrette
Image credits: Amy Butt
#29 Not Found In A Wall But Found In A Hoarders Home
Image credits: Amanda Panda
#30 Found In An Old Shed Very Heavy , Embossed Aluminium ? What Is It ?
Image credits: Sharon Mcneish
What do you think of this collection of collectibles, Pandas? Have you ever found something interesting or bizarre where you live? Share your finds with us in the comments! And if you'd like to see some astonishing things people have found in their old houses, head over here!
#31 I Found This Guy's Prison ID From 1988 Wich Was Soon After He Was Convicted Of Murder
It was hidden under the attic stairs in an old apartment building I bought. I'm guessing he lived in the apartment after he was paroled. My worker remembered the crime well and told me how he was helping search crews look for the body pretending to be good citizen. Gave me the chills when I confirmed it was him.
Image credits: Steve Cutter
#32 “Do You Have Prince Albert In A Can? Well You Better Let Him Out!” Found In An Old Attic
Image credits: Jodi Ford
#33 Found In An Office I Was Cleaning Out. Google Lense Says Antonio Deviti?
But Is It? The Paint Is Thick In Some Olaces. No Signature Though That I Can See, Although The Painting Seems To Be Stuck To The Frame.
Image credits: Sara Luther Randall
#34 Moved Into A New Place Back In October And While Organizing My Daughter's Closet I Found Tons Of Pennies Shoved Into The Baseboards
Anyone Know If This Is Some Type Of Superstition Or Something.... Or Maybe Just A Bored Kid Who Found Some Pennies?
Image credits: Jessica Nowicki
#35 Curious If Anyone Knows The Artist. Thank You
Image credits: Roberta Schwartz
#36 Found This Beaded Collar While Bottle Digging
I am time after time awestruck by how well-made everything was in the past ❤️❤️❤️ Today if I bought a beaded collar top - it would be missing 3 beads after first wear!!!
Image credits: Amy Butt
#37 1920 Penny I Found While Exposing The Original Flooring
Image credits: Bonnie Coffey Cannone
#38 I Bought These Two Aquarelle Paintings 30 Yrs Ago At The Estate Sale In Los Angeles Area And Changed The Frames Few Years Later
Dimensions 48x44. Since the frame is changed I would need to completely take it apart in order to see the real backing. I am affraid It could damage the picture as I tried and all seems to be sealed together. If this is acceptable I would like to know more on the artist if possible. Thanks for your help.
Image credits: Selma Muftic Stevanovic
#39 Newspapers From 1892 Hidden Under Attic Board's
Image credits: Dennis Frame
#40 Found Under Porch
Image credits: Tim Lindquist
#41 Found In A Hoarders Home. Does Anyone Know Anything About These Dolls? Check Out The Desks. They Are Gorgeous. Just Gotta Get To Them
Image credits: Amanda Panda
#42 Found In The Shed, Inside A Bag Of Personal Items Of Deceased Prior Residents. (Spoiler Alert: 99.9% Sure It's A Knock-Off)
Image credits: Bonnie Coffey Cannone
#43 Found This Today In My Dead Husbands Things, Can Anyone Tell Me What It Is Or Who It Could Belong To?
I am in Australia, my husband was New Zealand born but an Australian citizen, hence my question about how he could have possibly come to have this in his possession. Apologies for not making that clearer when I first posted.
Image credits: Kelly Gilham
#44 Random Find Many Years Ago
Image credits: Sivar Legg
#45 While Cleaning Out Our Mom’s House We Found This Buried In The Laundry Room. Not Sure This Stuff Was Drinkable Back In The Day
Image credits: Ritch Montgomery
#46 I Found These In The Attic Of My Old House About 15 Years Ago. I've Just Refound Them In A Drawer In My Current Attic. Bonus
Image credits: Howard Mcshane
#47 I Was Helping A Buddy Of Mine Remove Some Dirt In Their Basement And Make It Level So They Could Put A Vapor Barrier Down There. In The Dirt We Have Found Numerous Things From The Past
The comic is burnt on the edges. im not sure if it was deliberately done like that. but the dates are from 1946 and 1947. sorry if the pics arent that clear.
Image credits: Donatello Hendrix
#48 Found Some Photos At My Mom's House, We Have No Idea Who Some Of The People Are, But This One Has The Name Eddie Phillips Written On It. Anyone Recognize This Young Man With Some Attitude?
Image credits: Judy Lynn
#49 Found In An Attic Of Old Warehouse, I Can Only Find Paper Posters Of This. Nothing As A Wooden Plaque. Any Idea Of Its Value?
Image credits: Roger Hayslip Jr.
#50 My Son Found This Thing In A Wall Vent At His University (UK). Any Idea What It Is Please?
Image credits: Mandy O'Malley
