Often the best way to search using google is if you can narrow the item down and do a search for say...Mid 19th century stone carvings....or if the piece has any hints on signatures, look for the artist.
But you shouldn't forget that there is a lot of "stuff" out there that is just un-important...a nobody artist did a plaque to honor the donors of $10,000 to the new hospital wing in 1900.
Will the city where you found this stuff give any hints?...Old news paper archives?
There is a very imposing oil portrait in the lobby of the hospital here....no one would know the artist....and even fewer outside of this town would know Mary Frances Skiff.....but there it is!
Also remember Kovels' site....I would link byt you can google it just as I can....they often have info on strange stuff.
Folding endurance?...As you know paper eventually wears out on the fold lines when it is repeatedly folded in the same place. Apparantly this device measures how many times a paper can be folded before it "gives"....might be useful for often sued envelopes and file folders.
Good luck....and enjoy the search!
Linda C

If the flute's wood is not cracked, take it to anyone who plays flute to see how it sounds. If the pads are cracking and need replacing, that's routine maintenance for flutes, not a serious flaw. Even replacing keys is not a big deal.

Vintage wooden flutes are easy to sell ... there are a number of music stores online that specialize in them and will do consignment. The name cound be the store that sold it, not the maker.

-the "Chart Chief" automatic course finder sounds like a mechanical device used to figure out the course to be followed by an airplane or possibly a ship. If you know someone who is a pilot, or does long voyages by boat, this person might recognize the item.