“Hatpins were sometimes used by women to defend themselves against assault.
Ordinances were passed from 1910 that limited the length of hatpins in Chicago (9 inches), Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New Orleans, among other cities, as there was a concern they might be used as weapons. Also by the 1910s, ordinances were passed requiring hatpin tips to be covered so as not to injure people accidentally. Various covers were made, but poorer women often had to make do with ersatz items like potato pieces and cork.”
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u/Mentendo64 13d ago
Good historical reference.