12 Fascinating Early Versions Of Inventions We Still Use Today

Have you ever wondered what your great-grandmother’s toaster looked like? Have you ever considered what kind of contraption you would have needed to mow your lawn over a century ago? Do you know how your great-grandparents made a fresh pot of coffee each morning? 

The tools that past generations used look quite different from what our homes hold today, thanks to decades of innovation. But if you’d like to experience a blast from the past, we’ve got the perfect list for you. Bored Panda has scoured the internet for photos of early versions of the inventions we still use every day, so enjoy scrolling through this virtual museum and be sure to upvote the tools you’d happily purchase at an antique shop!

12 PHOTOS

#1 This Electric Toaster From 1920

#2 The First Lawn Mower, 1916

#3 Housewife Doing Laundry Using The First Electric Washing Machine - Eatonville WA (C. 1910)

We all know inventions have shaped our world. Without brilliant minds like Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Nikola Tesla, Alexander Graham Bell, and countless others, our lives would be incredibly different. But before we had smartphones, smart cars, and smart watches, many of the tools and appliances we use every single day had slightly less intelligent versions. They were still impressive at the time and very useful, but I don’t think watches from 100 years ago could monitor heart rate and take photos.

Viewing all of these fabulous and charming inventions from back in the day got me wondering what some of the most influential inventions have been. When it comes to technological inventions in particular, Telefonica explains on their site that there are several that have without a doubt changed the world. The first that they note is the printing press. Being able to spread knowledge and literacy quickly and accessibly was an absolute game changer for Europeans in the 15th century, and it has impacted how we share ideas ever since.      

#4 Pedal Roller Skates, 1910

#5 Michaux-Perreaux Steam-Vélocipède, 1869. It Is One Of Three Motorcycles Claimed To Be The First Motorcycle

#6 The IBM 305 RAMAC, The First Computer With A Hard Drive: $10,000 Per Megabyte

The light bulb was another important invention that very clearly changed the world. Suddenly, working hours were extended, electric household appliances were able to be developed, and we no longer needed fire to be able to see at night. Telefonica reports that the lightbulb is often regarded as the greatest invention since the discovery of fire, and as someone who has absolutely awful vision in dimly lit rooms, I have to agree with that sentiment!

"Hello? Can you hear me now?" Of course, we would be remiss if we did not hail the telephone for its incredible impact on the world. Being able to speak to others at a distance without sending letters that would take days or weeks to arrive and resulted in largely one-way conversations was a huge game changer as well. Suddenly, information could be exchanged instantaneously, and without Alexander Graham Bell’s creation, we would never have the pocket-sized computers that we’re all addicted to today. 

#7 One Of The First Osborne 1 Laptop, 1981

#8 Electric Kettle, Designed By Peter Behrens. AEG, Berlin, 1909

#9 The 10-Pound Headphones

The airplane is another invention that opened up our world to completely new experiences as well. It’s hard to imagine taking a voyage across the sea just to visit my family who lives on another continent, but just over 100 years ago, that’s what it would have required. Being able to defy gravity and have the possibility to visit nearly any point on the planet is quite amazing, even today. Yes, flying can be extremely expensive, but the fact that it’s even possible would blow our great-great grandparents' minds! 

#10 The First Computer Mouse (1964), Invented By Douglas Engelbart

#11 Hair Dryer (1920). The New Dryers Were Often Heavy, Weighing In At Approximately 2 Pounds (0.9 Kg), And Were Difficult To Use

#12 The First Mass-Produced TV Set And Was Sold In 1946 And 1947