Government spying device?

[John Arnold]

I thought that would get your attention.

Could this be part of a security system? It's in the basement of a 75 year old home in Philadelphia.

[Michael Thomas]

That looks like the guts of a "ball" type microphone and two condenser mics - perhaps someone was doing some recording in the basement.

[John Arnold]

That looks like the guts of a "ball" type microphone and two condenser mics - perhaps someone was doing some recording in the basement.

Could be. There were three guitars upstairs.

[Jim Luttrall]

Paranormal detection device. :D

[Rick Cantrell]

I do not recognize it as any part of an alarm system.

[Bob Elliott]

Did it say "yes,"no,or"maybe when you shook it?

[Curt Downs]

I gaze into the crystal ball. and I see...................a salt shaker? Maybe an electric salt shaker??:)

[JB Thompson]

wig dryer

[John Arnold]

Did it say "yes,"no,or"maybe when you shook it?

"Shook it"?! I may be stupid, but I'm not crazy! Or is it the other way around?

[H.G. Watson, Sr.]

I would have guessed something between a disco ball and a fiber optic/laser light sound responsive unit (missing the fibers), for that personal "light show" very mid to late 70s early 80s... such as something like this (attached photo).