Antique Victorian Hatpin Holder and Pins @ Time’s Tin Cup !
Vintage hatpins were a dual purpose accessory in history.
They were ornamental and designed to secure a women’s hat to her hair. But, they also had a deadly purpose.
Women entering the workforce in the early 1900s meant they were traveling unaccompanied in public. Hatpins actually ended up becoming the weapon of choice for women for self defense. Manuals were actually published to show women how to use them to defend against attacks.
This is an actual screenshot of the Mademoiselle Gelas’ self defense manual from 1903. It demonstrates to a woman being victimized as to how to use her hat pins to defend against an attacker.
