A photo of a man with a "cell phone" in 1943 gave rise to theories about time travel

By TravelWiseOct 24, 2023 16:17 PMNews
Share:
A photo of a man with a "cell phone" in 1943 gave rise to theories about time travel
Time travel is being discussed online through a ''mobile phone'' shot. Source: Pexels

An archival footage taken during World War II in the Icelandic capital Reykjavik has been circulating online. The picture shows an ordinary street, shops, and soldiers, but there is one nuance that gave rise to theories about time travel.

Netizens noticed that one of the characters in the picture seems to be talking on the phone, which simply cannot be true. The photo, which sparked conspiracy theories about time travel, was shared by its owner Christian Hoffman in the Facebook group Gamlar ljósmyndir, Indy100 reports.

The first-ever mobile phone, the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, was sold in 1973, 30 years after the photo was taken. However, the photo shows a man in a coat leaning against a storefront window holding something to his ear.

A photo of a man with a "cell phone" in 1943 gave rise to theories about time travel
Netizens noticed that one of the characters in the footage was allegedly talking on the phone. Source: Kristján Hoffman

If the photo was taken in our time, talking on the phone would be the first explanation that would come to mind. However, mobile devices did not exist at the time, and so the image gave rise to various theories.

Some netizens suggested that the man in the photo was scratching his ear, while another suggested that he had picked up his watch to check if it was working. However, there were also theories about time travel, as the man's pose and facial expression are similar to that of a person talking on the phone.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
TransPennine Express train at a platform

Late-night trains added after Sam Fender gigs in Newcastle

Jun 14, 2025 22:36 PM
Crowded transit hub with travellers and departure boards

Traffic Warning for Edinburgh Flyers During Highland Show

Jun 14, 2025 20:49 PM

Cathay Group Expands to 100 Destinations, Opening New Travel Opportunities for Passengers

Jun 14, 2025 18:33 PM

Summer Rail Suspension in Sardinia to Affect Travel Between Key Towns

Jun 14, 2025 16:54 PM
Renovated hotel room with king-size bed and modern lighting

San Juan’s La Concha Returns with Major Changes After Long Closure

Jun 14, 2025 14:47 PM
SAS aircraft preparing to land under cloudy sky

Scandinavian and Vietnam Airlines to Link Northern Europe with Southeast Asia via New Codeshare

Jun 14, 2025 12:31 PM
Commercial airplane in flight against a clear sky

SAS Expands Aalborg-Winter Routes, Opening Easier Access to Nordic Ski Destinations

Jun 13, 2025 23:23 PM
Railway signal showing red light on quiet train tracks near Verona

Verona Train Routes Suspended 15 June Amid WWII Bomb Removal

Jun 13, 2025 21:49 PM
Construction workers repairing railway tracks on a city street

Norfolk Rail Disruption: Buses Replace Trains Between Norwich and Ely This July

Jun 13, 2025 19:37 PM

New direct route from Amsterdam brings Cairo closer for travellers

Jun 13, 2025 17:51 PM

Krabi’s Natural Sites Gain Quiet Spotlight After Jurassic World Filming

Jun 13, 2025 15:44 PM
Air India aircraft parked on the ground with boarding platform nearby

Air India Crash Near Ahmedabad Leaves Over 200 Dead Shortly After Takeoff

Jun 13, 2025 13:39 PM
Modern hotel room interior with wooden accents and cozy bed

New Resort in Crete Blends Comfort with Nature and Local Traditions

Jun 12, 2025 23:28 PM
View of an SAS aircraft wing during flight above the clouds

SAS and WestJet to Launch Easier Canada–Scandinavia Connections from Summer 2025

Jun 12, 2025 21:42 PM
Rail workers using heavy machinery to install large pipe sections on train tracks

Train Disruptions Near Naples Affect Summer Travel Plans

Jun 12, 2025 19:34 PM

Virgin Australia Opens New Travel Opportunities to Europe and Africa via Doha

Jun 12, 2025 17:29 PM

One-Month Train Halt in Northern Italy Alters Summer Travel Routes

Jun 12, 2025 12:43 PM
Lufthansa plane taking off from runway

New Flight Links via Rome Simplify Travel Between Europe and Distant Cities

Jun 12, 2025 02:35 AM
Train showing "Caerdydd C" arrives at quiet station

Concert Crowds Prompt Rail Changes Across Cardiff This Summer

Jun 11, 2025 23:24 PM
Emirates aircraft approaching landing with cityscape below

Emirates and Bahamasair Partnership Opens New Travel Routes to The Bahamas Through Florida

Jun 11, 2025 21:49 PM
Finnair aircraft taxiing on a runway surrounded by trees

Finnair Resumes Direct Flights from Helsinki to Toronto Starting in 2026 Expanding Travel Options

Jun 11, 2025 19:32 PM
Construction worker in safety gear at a railway maintenance site

Summer Train Closures in Northern Italy to Disrupt Access to Regional Destinations

Jun 11, 2025 17:26 PM

Air New Zealand Starts Domestic WiFi Trial on Selected Flights

Jun 11, 2025 16:48 PM

InterContinental Hotel to Open in Manchester Bringing New Options for Travellers

Jun 11, 2025 07:31 AM
Modern hotel room with large bed and warm lighting

Familiar Hotels in Unfamiliar Places: voco Reaches 100 Locations Worldwide

Jun 10, 2025 23:22 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off into cloudy sky

Free Emirates Coach Now Available Between Manila and Clark

Jun 10, 2025 21:44 PM