[CIVIL WAR -- 19TH CENTURY PROPHYLACTICS]. A salesman's sample "preventative" with accompanying handbills.

8 7/8 in. x 2 3/4 in. (at widest) intestine condom with silk ribbon tie (folded, some discoloration). [With:] Handbill circular. Philadelphia: De Young, ca 1860s. 4 1/4 x 6 7/8 in. handbill printed on pink paper (offsetting from condom, original folds, some additional brown spotting). Both enclosed in 5 3/4 x 3 1/2 in. yellow envelope (split at lower edge for ACC ess, minor soil, minor ships to edges). Addressed; "To the Postmaster of Denny. Warren Co. Illinois" with 27 May Philadelphia postmark and canceled red 3-cent stamp.

A very rare example of a condom that appears to be constructed of thin animal intestine. A silk tie is at the base to ensure fit. The accompanying handbill issued by Mr. De Young, the owner of "a Fancy and Variety Store at 703 Chestnut Street, Philada." since 1830, writes: "I have herein enclosed you a specimen of an article which I have been selling in Philadelphia ever since the year 1830. I have lately adopted the plan of sending specimens in the way to different persons engaged for the Public, as you are..." Offering to these public persons, such as the Postmaster of Denny, IL, at wholesale prices: "I sell than at 3 dollars per dozen, or 5 dollars for two dozen at my store...I put them to my agents at $1 1/2 per doz. and you will of course get 3 dollars per dozen, or 5 dollars for two dozen, when you sell any of them."

[With:] To the Public. Philadelphia: De Young, ca 1860s. 4 1/8 x 7 3/8 in. handbill printed on bright yellow paper (minor creasing).

A similar handbill issued by the same de Young of NO. 703 Chestnut, as above, however, the copy here is more explicit in its verbiage and explanations: "as to the nature of the article, they are called CUNDUMNS, or Preventatives; they are used for a private purpose by males, when having intercourse with the opposite sex." He continues with specific instances of use: "Single young men use them to prevent themselves from being diseased when having intercourse with women of a public character; but where I sell fone for the above purpose, I sell a hundred for domestic use, for the husband to use with his wife." He goes on to discuss his concerns about the dangers women face in childbirth and various reasons why one would want to limit procreation.

[Also with:] For Private and Select Circulation...New Books. N.p.: N.p., mid-19th century. 5 1/8 x 8 1/4 in. printed advertising pamphlet (separations along early folds, toning, brown spotting).

A circular offering "choice and startling assortment of rare and voluptuous literature curiosities, etc., FOR THE GRATIFICATION AND AMUSEMENT OF THE MAN OF WIT, FASHION AND PLEASURE," and lists an array of CDVs of "voluptuaries, "new books", "fancy steel engravings", and "fancy notions and curiosities with provocative titles such as "Lascivious Candy, or Lovers' Sweetmeats", "The Libertine Enchantress", and "Cabinet of Venus Unlocked". Though the pamphlet is addressed to "Sir", there is a listing "For Ladies, the Dildoes, an Artificial Penis. This article is made of white rubber...and for 'reserved females' is a happy and harmless substitute for the natural champion of woman's rights."

[Also with:] Advantage of Marked-Back Playing Cards. Philadelphia: De Young, ca 1860s. 4 1/16 x 7 3/16 in. handbill printed on Prussian blue paper. The same De Young advertises marked-back playing cards "an article not very easy to obtain".

Property from the Inventory of James C. Frasca