Victorian Self-defense
In the 19th century, women traveling alone or through secluded areas often found themselves vulnerable to attack. To protect themselves, many relied on everyday items. Hatpins and umbrellas served as discreet means of defense that fit within the fashion and social norms of the time, allowing women to carry a weapon without raising suspicion.
Travel Essentials
American Etiquette Rules of Politeness, written by Walter Houghton in 1883, gave lots of advice, and some specifically included travel: "There is no situation in which a lady is more exposed than when she travels, and there is no position where a dignified, lady-like deportment is more indispensable and more certain to command respect." Mr. Houghton recommended carrying money in a strong pocket made in your upper petticoat, only reserving a small sum for incidental expenses in your dress pocket.
A pair of pockets from the early 19th century.
Looking Beyond Mr. Houghton's Recommendations
While traveling by Stagecoach, passengers were advised to expect annoyance, discomfort, and hardship. The risk of bandit attacks was real, and the unpredictable nature of the journey, harsh weather conditions, and rugged terrain added to the danger.
"Stagecoach," a 1939 film Starring John Wayne and directed by John Ford.
He's a former Union cavalry lieutenant who now serves as the guardian of his three nieces. Betrayed by his former fiancée and still troubled by his memories of war, Grady Buchanan is cynical and determined to keep the world at a distance. "If I must marry, the woman should be the quiet type, content to focus on tending to the family, leaving me to my solitude and peace."
She's a spirited bootlegger's daughter from the south who is on the run. Bethany Murphy is stubborn and resilient, looking for a fresh start, and determined to achieve her happily ever after. "Even chickens understand the importance of companionship. My husband doesn't realize what he's missing; fortunately, I don't give up easily."
Best be Prepared-Pocket Pistols
The pocket pistol, also known as the Queen Anne pistol, originated in the mid-17th century as a small, concealable coat or pocket pistol. This style was used during the 18th century, evolving from a weapon reserved for the wealthy to a common sidearm in broader use as more and more manufacturers made them by the start of the 19th century.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dragoon_Baby_Dragoon.jpg
Affectionately known as the "Baby Dragoon" and made without a loading lever, Colt turned out about 15,000 between 1847 and 1850, and the public loved them. This pocket model became the most successful of all of Colt's percussion revolvers.
Affectionately known as the "Baby Dragoon" and made without a loading lever, Colt turned out about 15,000 between 1847 and 1850, and the public loved them. This pocket model became the most successful of all of Colt's percussion revolvers.
The Lady's Companion
Some manufacturers specifically marketed their small firearms to women. In 1866, Charles Converse and Samuel Hopkins produced around 800 pistols, which they sold under the trade name "Ladies Companion."
Original Remington Model 95 Derringer
The double-barrel Philadelphia Deringer was a popular vest-sized pocket pistol. The Rimfire Remington Model 95 gained widespread popularity, overshadowing all other designs and becoming synonymous with the term "Derringer." Approximately 150,000 units of this model were produced between 1866 and 1935. The Remington double-barrel derringer design is still being manufactured today.
"Stagecoach," a 1939 film directed by John Ford.
What's A Lady to Do?
Imagine yourself as a single woman in the post-Civil War era. After enduring unimaginable hardships, you travel by Stagecoach toward a new life. Though weary and covered in dust, hope fills your heart as you bounce over the rutted road, just hours away from your destination. Suddenly an obstruction on the road brings the stage to a stop, and a masked man approaches with his gun cocked. Do you reach for your pocket pistol? Or will that only prove to make things worse? My heroine in my new release, A Recluse for Christmas, faces a similar dilemma. What's a Lady to do?
He's a former Union cavalry lieutenant who now serves as the guardian of his three nieces. Betrayed by his former fiancée and still troubled by his memories of war, Grady Buchanan is cynical and determined to keep the world at a distance. "If I must marry, the woman should be the quiet type, content to focus on tending to the family, leaving me to my solitude and peace."
She's a spirited bootlegger's daughter from the south who is on the run. Bethany Murphy is stubborn and resilient, looking for a fresh start, and determined to achieve her happily ever after. "Even chickens understand the importance of companionship. My husband doesn't realize what he's missing; fortunately, I don't give up easily."
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Fans of historical romance set in the late 19th -century will enjoy stories combining, History, Humor, and Romance, emphasizing Faith, Friends, and Good, Clean Fun.
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