17 Photos Of "They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To" Products That I Swear Would Survive The Apocalypse
Recently, I've been on a kick writing throwback content that throws it all the way back. I've been mildly obsessed with the 40s–70s. One thing that always strikes me is how built-to-last things were. That, paired with my favorite subreddit (r/BuyItForLife), I decided to look for vintage items that were still kicking. Here are 17 items people have shared that haven't failed them after all this time.
1.This set of Le Creuset dishes from 1977 that look like they were unboxed yesterday.
"My in-laws were brilliant: Le Creuset, purchased 1977." —u/cuthman99
2.This Stanley thermos used every day for 48 years.
"Stanley Thermos used every day from 1970 to 2018." —u/MrJwoj
3.These Haglöfs boots someone bought on their 18th birthday and kept looking good even after 30+ years of wear.
"Bought those Haglöfs boots on my 18th birthday. This week I celebrated my 50th birthday." —u/denjohan
4.This 1969 Kenworth W900 truck that's been running consistently and has over three million miles on it!
"My 54-year-old work truck. It’s been used daily as a welding/crane truck. 1969 Kenworth W900. Over 3 million miles & still runs great." —u/Chaseedison
5.These two Buck knives next to each other. One is 40 years older than the other. Can you guess which one?
"My uncle's 110 next to mine, about 40 years apart." —u/deleted
6.This Oxford bookbag that is over 100 years old and has been used by three generations.
"Oxford bookbag from 1880 or so. My grandpa got it used when he started high school in 1951. It has since been used and enjoyed by my mom, uncle, aunt and myself and is still durable." —u/bambuslover222
7.This 1974 Sansui 881 stereo that's still kicking after 43 years.
"My 1974 Sansui 881, she's 43 years old this month." —u/canox74
8.This 1920s toaster that keeps on toastin'.
"I inherited this toaster from the 1920s around 10 years ago and it has worked great every single day" —u/bendersimpsons
9.This Coleman cooler from the 1960s that the owner says holds ice for up to a week in.
"Colman Snow-Lite Low Boy cooler from the 60s. Gifted to me from my grandparents who picked it up from a thrift store nearly 20 years ago. Still holds ice for nearly a week!" —u/ahobo1
10.This laundry basket that has been helping with clothes for 40 years.
"40 years of laundry. My parents bought this in 1980 when they first got married. It's also live a life as a pretend boat and turtle shell when I was little. It's in great condition and I'm so happy to be giving it more life." —u/hollyinhd
11.This 1940s Gillette Milord razor that was a hand-me-down from this person's grandfather.
"My grandpa's razor I inherited, used to shave with him (w/out razor in) when little. 25ish years later I'm here, cleaned it up and threw new razor in. 1940's gold plated DE." —u/rivet_head99
12.This knife (right) that was replaced (left) after 50 years. Battered but not broken!
"My dad bought a new knife after 50 years" —u/guitarbldr
13.This 44-year-old Coleman Classic camping tent that has no holes and all of its original rods still in working order.
"Still sporting my dad's Coleman Classic tent from 70's. No leaks, and doesn't require a rain fly. All original poles in tact after 44 years." —u/spacesurfer8
14.This 47-year-old compass that has been going on hikes with the same person over its life and still points north.
"This SILVA compass I bought when I was 14, now I am 61 (has seen a lot of hikes)." —u/gnarlodious
15.This Emerson fan, still blowing cool and nicking fingers after 70 years of service.
"Sure, you may lose a finger, but my Emerson table fan has been going strong for over 70 years." —u/Schmooopy
16.This 1961 waffle maker that is still making some wickedly impressive-looking waffles.
"61 years ago my parents received this waffle maker as a wedding present in 1961. Still makes great waffles." —u/fredfreddy4444
17.Finally, the Voyager 1 space probe, sent to space in 1977 and still responding to NASA's commands to this day at 15.3 billion miles away.
Do you have a product that's withstood the test of time? Tell us in the comments below!
