6 Responses to “Dangerous Women”

1. Justin said (on May 18th, 2015 at 9:25 am)

   Either they’re trained on proper form or they’ve got a Very meticulous positioning expert. From the cues in the photo (serious-looking instructor in back, padded vests, sensible shoes, skirts that allow plenty of movement, hair styles that restrain their long hair, etc), I’d say someone went to a Lot of effort to stage this, or it is in fact legit.

2. Hug said (on May 19th, 2015 at 5:03 pm)

   Photo by Benjamin J Falk, circa 1890, according to Getty Images. His studio was on Broadway in New York and he appears to have pictured them during a tour.

   http://www.gett...39542

   Here is a quote from an article from the Association for Historical Fencing in 2009, with an illustration of a poor reproduction of the photo.

   ***********************************************************
   Another public showing, though fought for lesser stakes, is yet more interesting so far as the subject of historical weaponry goes. On April 22, 1888, the Tribune again records an exhibition, this time performed by nine swordswomen visiting from Austria and Germany who “gave an interesting exhibition of fencing with foils and sabres, and of Neopolitan fencing with sabre in one hand and dagger in the other, a new thing in this country,” though apparently one not unknown-and not unpracticed by females in Europe. Several of the women are mentioned as being “pronounced accomplished swordswomen by experts present.”
   *****************************************************************
   The .pdf goes straight to download so google “The Other Wild West: Fencing in New York in the 1880s” if you want to find it. Well worth it for descriptions of more ladies fencing.

   The New York Tribune also has a mention for the 23rd of May 1988, found at chroniclingamerica.loc.gov:

   Public appreciation of the skilful work of the Viennese lady fencers continues to increase, and the fair swordswomen are the most popular attraction yet seen at the Eden Musee. To-morrow night there will be an exciting contest between the pretty fencers for a valuable silver cup, offered by “The British-American” newspaper. The Hungarian Orchestra under the lead of Erdelyj Naczi will play at each performance.

   This article on the Eden Musee has the Viennese fencers being introduced in October of 1889, so perhaps a return?

   http://daytonin....html

   The Sun has them twice a day at the Eden Musee again on the 4th of April 1990.

   The St Paul Daily Globe (found on the same website as the Tribune and Sun articles) has a piece on the 4th of August 1888, hinting they really are dangerous women:

   THE REAL STUFF
   Genuine Duel Between Two Swordswomen at Boston,
   The Herald’s Boston special says that the mock sword practice between the Viennese fencers at the Bijou theater was varied last night by a real duel. For some months past Mathilde Tagamann has been the favorite swordswoman of Prof. Hartl, the manager. Anna Brantslo has been jealous of her rival, and last night when the two came on the stage blood was in the eyes of both. After tarrying a few moments Miss Brantslo rushed upon her opponent with great fury. They parried and fought in anger for at least fifteen minutes. Meanwhile the audience arose to their feet and yelled and cheered at the combatants while several ladies fainted away. Finally Miss Brantslo forced the favorite to the wings of the theater, beat her down upon the floor of the stage and pulled her hair in token of victory. Prof. Hartl, who came forward to stop the fight, was assaulted by Miss Brantslo and driven off the stage. No such sword prctice was ever seen in Boston before. Miss Tagamann feels humiliated over her defeat and says nothing.

   I will not transcribe the other results I got for “swordswomen” on that site but I recommend it if you want to read about Jaguarina ( http://usfencin...arina ) and “the noblest virgins, lovely and lubricated”.

3. Hug said (on May 19th, 2015 at 5:07 pm)

   Sorry I forgot to change that to 6th of April 1890, not 4th of April 1990.

4. Hug said (on May 19th, 2015 at 5:29 pm)

   Looking for Brantslo a slight variation on the Boston fight (carried by at least five other papers though the new North-West has it as – A Free Fight or a Free “Ad” ) informs us that Mathilde was tall and dark while Anna was small and blonde. I am thinking third and equal fifth (the shorter) from the left, respectively. Prof. Hartl said Anna had an ungovernable temper and he must get rid of her. Boo, Hiss!

5. Bacchus said (on May 19th, 2015 at 7:13 pm)

   Ooh, good find Hug! Your Google-fu is strong, and on this day at least, stronger than mine. I appreciate it!

6. Dr.Whiplash said (on July 30th, 2017 at 1:37 am)

   Well… It would appear that we now know one thing for certain… Not EVERYBODY was Kung Fu fighting…

Leave a Reply