In 2017 a beautifully carved 19th Century dildo was sold at auction for €3,200 to what was presumed to be a private American collector. This collector was one of 100 bidders for the piece, with individuals from over 40 countries vying for the chance to own this piece of erotic ephemera.
In possible a sad turn, the winning collector beat out a Los Angeles museum of erotica, depriving the world of this dildo for display purposes, but I can’t say I wholly blame them in this instance.
If I had the chance, I would have whipped up this dildo in a heartbeat, and it seems that many other individuals felt the same way.
Vintage Erotica
The auction house probably got a bit of a shock when this happened: primarily because they estimated it would sell for €500–800, but this estimate almost certainly underestimated our collective fascination with vintage erotica and its historic arousal.
If sites such as Whores of Yore or publications such as The Story of Sex: From Apes to Robots by Philippe Brenot and Laetitia Coryn are anything to go by then our sexual history is something that fascinates and surprises us in many regards.
Erotic imagery, in particular, seems to be something that people adore and this may very well be due to its unexpected nature. To this day many people see sex as the ‘taboo’ topic of society: something that is never to be seen or spoken of, let alone documented.
But historians are constantly rediscovering raunchy reminders that, yes – our ancestors did have thriving sex lives, and they thoroughly enjoyed them.
Beyond Wonder
The connotations of such imagery are probably equally at play here when it comes to people’s fascination with vintage fucking.
Not only do vintage adult products and imagery lure people in with wistful promises, preserved in sepia tones, but they also give explicit permission to feel aroused.
Many adult images maintain the gaze of the camera that was cast upon them, or invite (with their actions) people to join in with their revelry, whereas vintage sex toys act as permission to enjoy sex toys through their sheer existence.
By simply being – in all their fabulous and vintage form – they proudly declare ‘Yes, you can achieve climax in a variety of fetching manners, aroused-screaming naturally permitted as part of the foray’.
Recreation Appeal
Also, let’s admit it: Vintage aesthetics are always going to have a distinct appeal that prompts a desire to replicate them in some way or another.
Many people adore Downtown Abby and, if the fanfiction out there is anything to go by, it’s not just for innocent reasons, nor without a desire to engage in some vintage capitulation to one’s own desires.
Sexual roleplay is always a good bit of fun and pretending to be a dainty flower from high society, or a daring dandy ready to steal away some excitement in the night, is enough to warrant at least a passing sexual interest.
This is certainly the case for steampunk enthusiasts – who keenly transform their sexual gear into a visual celebration to days long past while also bring a modern approach to the whole affair.
So, if you’re interested in trying some historically-inspired sex yourself why not look at what steampunk gear is available? Alternatively try investing in some wooden, ceramic, or glass dildos (or, if you want to be especially kinky, a neon wand) and let your antique arousals shine through full force.
Oh, and if your family happens (like mine did) to bestow upon you some 19th century nipple clamps just remember to look, not sample: the idea might be near-irresistible, but most historic pieces have had their time when it comes to practical use.
