Have you ever had the urge to take something apart, just to know what makes it tick? So have we. Thankfully, the good people of the internet have done the hard part for us. As humans, we love symmetry, and that means the inner-workings of our creations can be revealed by neatly slicing them in half. Check out some of the coolest photos of dissected objects we’ve found around the web – from watches and padlocks to artillery shells, tanks, and even a few objects from the natural world.
British WWI 18 Pounder Shrapnel Shell
Unlike high explosives, shrapnel shells could safely be employed in tandem with an infantry assault, making them the British Army’s preferred artillery during World War I. Those little balls would fly around with lethal force after the shell detonated, suppressing the enemy until ground troops could enter the trench.
German Leopard I Tank
The Leopard I tank was developed by West Germany in 1965. It remained in use in the German Army until 2003, when the Leopard II took its place. It is still used by militaries around the world.
Container Ship
We sometimes forget how far goods have to travel before they get to us, and we often forget how they get here. Huge container ships like this one get the job done.
Grenade
A typical time-delayed grenade is used to kill, maim, or displace enemy personnel. Since World War I, most grenades use a chemical delay mechanism, which gives the thrower two to seven seconds to lob the grenade before it explodes.
Colt M1911
The Colt M1911 was the standard issue sidearm for U.S. Military personnel from 1911 to 1983. Its short recoil design was widely imitated and became the standard for many pistols since.