Petticoats held hidden pockets for hiding weapons from "summary" of Pistols and Petticoats by Erika Janik

Women in the 19th century were not always the delicate flowers society expected them to be. In fact, many women were armed and dangerous, carrying weapons in their petticoats for self-defense. These hidden pockets were not just for holding handkerchiefs or keys - they held pistols, knives, and other tools of protection. Petticoats were the perfect hiding spot for weapons, as they were voluminous and often had multiple layers. Women could easily conceal a small handgun or blade without anyone suspecting a thing. This allowed them to move about freely, knowing they had a means of defense close at hand. These concealed weapons were not just for show - many women used them in dangerous situations. Whether facing off against a would-be attacker or defending their homes and families, these women were not afraid to fight back. They were determined to protect themselves and their loved ones, no matter the cost. The practice of carrying weapons in petticoats was not limited to any one social class or region. Women from all walks of life took their safety into their own hands, arming themselves in a time when protection was not always guaranteed. It was a matter of survival, a way to level the playing field in a world that often underestimated their strength and resilience. In a society that expected women to be demure and submissive, the women who carried weapons in their petticoats were rebels in their own right. They refused to be victims, choosing instead to be warriors in petticoats. These women were not to be trifled with - they were armed, dangerous, and ready to defend themselves at a moment's notice.

Pistols and Petticoats

Erika Janik

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