I have been trying to identify this cylinder that I found on a walk. What could it's purpose be?
this post was submitted on 24 Apr 2026
33 points (97.1% liked)
What is this thing?
8241 readers
87 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
The cylinder must remain unharmed
It is imperative.
Please do not bully the cylinder.
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.
We played with the contrast of the picture and we think the first "u" looks like it is actually an "M". 🤔
No, it's lower part is missing. Same for the B. The text says ~GAS DUISBURG. I can't decipher the name of the company completely ~~, probably RHEINGAS.~~
What sound does it make if you hit it with a stick?
I would say that a sledgehammer would be the right tool here.
We rapped on the side and it felt very solid, we didn't think to whack it with a stick.
Boba fett vibes
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'
Green is usually for Argon or other inert gases.
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.