The 19th Century Vampire Killing Kit: When Dagger/Gun/Cross Combos Were Socially Acceptable

Somewhere in between wooden stakes and Blade’s katanas, the art of vampire hunting reached its apex with this ivory kit. Particularly its spring-loaded pistol that was also a dagger. And also also a gun. Buffy, eat your heart out.

This kit was one of four that was made, and recently sold at auction for a mere $US4,700. What exactly did the lucky bidder take home? Just this:

An ornate ivory-mounted Christian cross integrating a steel, spring-loaded, .41 calibre single-shot percussion pistol, the centre mounted with an ebony shield surmounted with a 8-pointed crown, the tips made from tiny semi-precious red stones. A ruby red five-pointed star adorns the centre. The vampire pistol is contained in an ivory case, together with steel dagger blade which attaches to the end of the cross, an ivory cleaning rod, ivory powder bottle, and cap and ball supply. The entire case is made from fine elephant ivory and each element is engraved with letters representing the contents.

That, and a lifetime free of worry over blood-sucking nightstalkers. I consider that a bargain. [Greg Martin Auctions via Buzzfeed]