Rare 19th-Century Nine-Piece “Prostitute Set” with Mother-of-Pearl Dagger, Revolver & Velvet-Lined Case
What kind of woman, more than a century ago, might have carried a collection of objects as beautiful, mysterious, and dangerous as these? Hidden within an extraordinary velvet-lined case are the remnants of a world where beauty could be a weapon, secrets were carefully guarded, and a woman’s survival might depend upon far more than her charm.
Dating to the 19th century, this fascinating nine-piece collection, historically described as a “Prostitute Set,” tells a story of glamour, temptation, deception, and self-preservation. An elegant mother-of-pearl dagger rests alongside a matching mother-of-pearl-handled revolver, perhaps offering protection in a world where women had few protections of their own. A delicate perfume bottle suggests femininity and seduction, while a mysterious sterling silver-capped glass vial leaves us wondering what secrets it once held. A floral garter, ornate trinket boxes, and a concealed card-cheating device complete a collection that seems almost too intriguing to be real.
Who originally owned this extraordinary assortment? Was she a woman navigating the dangerous world of wealthy and powerful men? A gambler, a performer, or someone whose private life was far more complicated than appearances suggested? We may never know. While the designation “Prostitute Set” is a historical collecting description rather than proof of its original ownership, the mystery surrounding this remarkable collection is precisely what makes it so captivating.
The complete nine-piece collection is housed in its green felt-covered presentation case, featuring a hinged lid, swiveling drawer, and richly colored purple velvet-lined interior. Several pieces bear identifiable 19th-century American maker’s marks.
Collection Includes
1. J.D. Chevalier Mother-of-Pearl Dagger
A striking double-edged, spear-point steel dagger featuring an elegantly fluted mother-of-pearl handle and its accompanying leather sheath. The blade is marked “J.D. Chevalier New York.”
Measures approximately 9.75” long overall, with a 5.62” blade and 2” width. Scuffing, scratching, and minor oxidation are present.
2. Hopkins & Allen Mother-of-Pearl Revolver
An antique Hopkins & Allen Manufacturing Co. .22 XL No. 1 revolver, beautifully accented with mother-of-pearl grips. The frame bears the inscription “Hopkins & Allen Mfg. Co. Pat. Mar 22. 1871.”
Measures approximately 3” high x 1” wide. Scuffing, scratching, and minor oxidation are present. Mechanical functionality has not been established.
3. Antique Glass Perfume Bottle
An elegant glass perfume bottle fitted with a metal screw cap and decorative foot, offering a glimpse into the personal rituals and vanity accessories of the era.
Measures approximately 3.37” high x 1.87” wide. Interior residue, a minor indentation to the foot, and scratching are present.
4. Pink and Purple Floral Garter
A charming textile garter in shades of pink and purple, adorned with a decorative floral bow. Perhaps the most intimate and distinctly feminine piece within the collection.
Pre-owned condition.
5. Antique Metal Match Box
A compact metal match box with a hinged lid, a practical personal accessory of the period.
Measures approximately 2.37” high x 1.37” wide. Scratching is present.
6. Ribbed Glass Vial with Sterling Silver Cap
One of the collection’s most intriguing objects, a slender ribbed glass vial topped with a sterling silver screw cap marked “Sterling.” Its original contents and intended purpose remain unknown.
Measures approximately 3.12” long x 0.87” wide. Patination and mild deformation to the cap are present.
7. E.S. Johnson & Co. Card Holdout Device
An unusual antique card-cheating clip holdout housed within a hinged, leather-wrapped case. The exterior features gilt embossing reading “E.S. Johnson & Co Makers New York.” An especially fascinating addition suggesting the secretive world of gambling and games of chance.
Measures approximately 2.5” wide x 0.5” high. Scuffing and scratching are present.
8. Silver-Plated Trinket Box with Floral Stone Inlay
A lovely small silver-plated metal trinket box featuring inset stones arranged into a decorative floral design across the lid.
Measures approximately 1.5” long x 1.46” wide x 0.5” high. Patination and scratching are present.
9. Circular Silver-Tone Floral Trinket Box
A petite circular silver-tone metal trinket box decorated with an etched floral motif across the lid.
Measures approximately 1.25” in diameter x 0.62” high. Heavy patination and scratching are present.
Presentation Case & Measurements
The complete collection is presented in its green felt-covered case with a hinged lid, swiveling drawer, and purple velvet-lined interior.
Case measurements: Approximately 10” long x 5” wide x 3.87” high.
Period: 19th century, United States.
Identified makers: J.D. Chevalier, Hopkins & Allen Manufacturing Co., and E.S. Johnson & Co., New York.
Materials: Metal, steel, mother-of-pearl, leather, glass, sterling silver, silver plate, textile, felt, velvet, and stone.
Condition: Antique condition consistent with the individual descriptions above, including varying degrees of surface wear, scratching, oxidation, patination, and other noted imperfections. Please review all photographs closely.
An exceptionally unusual assemblage of 19th-century personal effects, combining beautifully crafted objects, identifiable American makers, and a history steeped in intrigue. More than a collection of antiques, this is a captivating glimpse into a vanished world, one whose secrets may never be fully revealed.
We sell vintage items that may have been previously used and may show signs of wear. Please review pictures closely. All sales are final.