{"product_id":"rare-19th-century-nine-piece-prostitute-set-with-mother-of-pearl-dagger-revolver-velvet-lined-case","title":"Rare 19th-Century Nine-Piece “Prostitute Set” with Mother-of-Pearl Dagger, Revolver \u0026 Velvet-Lined Case","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDating 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWho 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe complete nine-piece collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollection Includes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1. J.D. Chevalier Mother-of-Pearl Dagger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA 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.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeasures approximately 9.75” long overall, with a 5.62” blade and 2” width. Scuffing, scratching, and minor oxidation are present.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2. Hopkins \u0026amp; Allen Mother-of-Pearl Revolver\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn antique Hopkins \u0026amp; Allen Manufacturing Co. .22 XL No. 1 revolver, beautifully accented with mother-of-pearl grips. The frame bears the inscription “Hopkins \u0026amp; Allen Mfg. Co. Pat. Mar 22. 1871.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeasures approximately 3” high x 1” wide. Scuffing, scratching, and minor oxidation are present. Mechanical functionality has not been established.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3. Antique Glass Perfume Bottle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeasures approximately 3.37” high x 1.87” wide. Interior residue, a minor indentation to the foot, and scratching are present.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4. Pink and Purple Floral Garter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePre-owned condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5. Antique Metal Match Box\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA compact metal match box with a hinged lid, a practical personal accessory of the period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeasures approximately 2.37” high x 1.37” wide. Scratching is present.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e6. Ribbed Glass Vial with Sterling Silver Cap\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeasures approximately 3.12” long x 0.87” wide. Patination and mild deformation to the cap are present.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e7. E.S. Johnson \u0026amp; Co. Card Holdout Device\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn unusual antique card-cheating clip holdout housed within a hinged, leather-wrapped case. The exterior features gilt embossing reading “E.S. Johnson \u0026amp; Co Makers New York.” An especially fascinating addition suggesting the secretive world of gambling and games of chance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeasures approximately 2.5” wide x 0.5” high. Scuffing and scratching are present.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8. Silver-Plated Trinket Box with Floral Stone Inlay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA lovely small silver-plated metal trinket box featuring inset stones arranged into a decorative floral design across the lid.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeasures approximately 1.5” long x 1.46” wide x 0.5” high. Patination and scratching are present.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e9. Circular Silver-Tone Floral Trinket Box\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA petite circular silver-tone metal trinket box decorated with an etched floral motif across the lid.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeasures approximately 1.25” in diameter x 0.62” high. Heavy patination and scratching are present.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePresentation Case \u0026amp; Measurements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe complete collection is presented in its green felt-covered case with a hinged lid, swiveling drawer, and purple velvet-lined interior.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCase measurements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 10” long x 5” wide x 3.87” high.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 19th century, United States.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdentified makers:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e J.D. Chevalier, Hopkins \u0026amp; Allen Manufacturing Co., and E.S. Johnson \u0026amp; Co., New York.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Metal, steel, mother-of-pearl, leather, glass, sterling silver, silver plate, textile, felt, velvet, and stone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe sell vintage items that may have been previously used and may show signs of wear. Please review pictures closely. All sales are final.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Estate Sale Edit","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67239647084785,"sku":"ESE-01643","price":13999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0789\/8644\/5041\/files\/6ECD4911-1693-4A57-A0E3-00BEFF5AEB8F.jpg?v=1792164725","url":"https:\/\/estate-sale-edit.myshopify.com\/products\/rare-19th-century-nine-piece-prostitute-set-with-mother-of-pearl-dagger-revolver-velvet-lined-case","provider":"Estate Sale Edit","version":"1.0","type":"link"}