The pistol purse, an intriguing accessory from the late 1800s, combines  fashion with self-defense. It emerged during a time when personal safety  devices began to integrate more seamlessly into everyday life,  particularly for women. These purses were designed to discreetly conceal  a small firearm, allowing the carrier to maintain an element of  surprise and defense without sacrificing style.

Pistol purses typically featured a special compartment with a holster to  securely hold the firearm, often a small derringer or revolver, which  were popular for their compact size.