The world moves swiftly, and new technology constantly replaces the old. With generations of children growing up who have no idea why we say “call a phone number,” it’s easy to see how much has changed in the last 50 to 100 years. Recently, though, a photo was circulated of a tool whose name and purpose baffled even the most seasoned memory. Can you figure out what it is?

At first glance, the image published on the nostalgia website Do You Remember appears to be some sort of gardening implement. Because of its scoop-like look and a sharper piece on the inside, it’s easy to believe. This was a popular assumption in the comment thread. However, if you think it’s some kind of trowel, you should think differently.

This mystery thing appears to be a hand-held object in the shot. The shape of the handle, as well as the anticipated size, indicates as much. Some speculated that it was used to open clams rather than as a garden implement.

Those people are also incorrect.

As it turns out, this old ‘tool’ is actually an oil spout rather than a tool. The oil used to come in cans before plastic bottles. Because it is more difficult to pour oil from a can without it glugging everywhere and producing a mess, oil spouts were designed to be added for a spill-free pour.

Because oil spouts were designed to be reused, there are still a lot of them around. They were mostly used when you went to the gas station to fill up. An attendant would come out and use the oil spout to pour oil from the can into your tank. They would then throw away the can but store the tool for future buyers.

Many of us will not remember a time before gas pumps, plastic oil canisters, and oil spouts have become relics of the past. Though no longer in use, it’s always fun to take a quick trip back in time with vintage tools and other antiques.