While its origins lie in the musical traditions of Southeast Asia, this percussion instrument was actually a staple of middle- and upper-class Victorian and Edwardian households. Servants of wealthy families or hotel employees would sound the dinner gong to signal daily activities such as dressing or, as the name suggests, serving a meal.

A symbol of colonialism and international trade, gongs were brought from Asia as a communication tool due to their deafening noise that could travel throughout large households. Ideal for Victorian culture, which was obsessed with etiquette and punctuality.

Liked this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveMONEY

How many of these retro home gadgets do you recognise?