HELP: The Farthing 'myth'

[Wickerman]

Even the most apprehensive of prozzies is unlikely to turn down the prospect of a half-sovereign.

Just to clarify, the question I was asking essentially was, "who in their right mind would pay a prostitute 10 shillings?" Alternately, "what kind of prostitute is about to believe she is being offered a real half-sovereign (10 shillings)?"

Regards, Jon S.

[Krinoid]

Is that true? I also thought one press report did mention this also at the time, why would they make this up?

Bennett's new book mentions this is wrong, but how do we know?I still don't get this?

[waterloo]

Hello all,

We should not assume that the muslin and the combs were the property of Chapman unless there is evidence of their ownership. There may well be I am quite new.
The envelope was certainly in her possesion as this is witnessed earlier. The combs and muslin could have belonged to JTR and if they did and they were stored somewhere. DNA would possibly be on the combs. Bit far fetched I know. Perhaps he put them on the floor carefully so that he could find them Perhaps they fell out of his pocket. I know somebody is going to tell me they were identified as Chapmans. I hope nobody can.

Thanks everyone

Waterloo

[Tom_Wescott]

Hi all, did I miss something? Are we talking about the coins as though they were really at Chapman's feet?

Yours truly,

Tom Wescott

[Magpie]

Even the most apprehensive of prozzies is unlikely to turn down the prospect of a half-sovereign.

However, given that there seems to be some connection between Hanbury St. and the coining trade, it's possible that it was Chapman who had the fake half-sovereigns, with a view to passing them.


It's also possible that a prozzie would accept fake half-sovereigns knowing that the were fake, but confident that they could later pass them as the real thing...

[ChrisGeorge]

Chris.
Given that the suggestion has been made of clients passing off a polished farthing instead of a half-sovereign to a prostitute, doesn't the question then arise as to "why give 10 shillings (half-sovereign) to a prostitute?"
I don't have a precise number for what they charged but I would think 10 shillings would be way over the top.

Regards, Jon S.

That's a good point, Jon. Though several scenarios occur to me: 1) it could have been an extra lure for the unfortunates. 2) Such women themselves, or Chapman at least, might have had a sideline in passing off the coins. 3) The killer could have thrown down the polished farthings at her feet as a sign of disdain.

Chirs

[Wickerman]

Hi all

For those of you who may not know it, Kevin Michael wrote "A Tale of Two Farthings" characterized as "in (modest) defense of Sir Henry Smith" for Ripperologist 78, April 2007. I have been in contact with him about doing a follow-up to the article. The cover of the issue containing his article can be seen here. It is well established that spivs tried to pass off polished farthings as half sovereigns.

Best regards

Chris

Chris.
Given that the suggestion has been made of clients passing off a polished farthing instead of a half-sovereign to a prostitute, doesn't the question then arise as to "why give 10 shillings (half-sovereign) to a prostitute?"
I don't have a precise number for what they charged but I would think 10 shillings would be way over the top.

Regards, Jon S.

[ChrisGeorge]

Hej Jukka!

I think I remember reading something about a man polishing farthings until they shone to cheat the poor prostitutes into believing that they were more valuable coins and possibly that these were found on at least one of the victims.

Hi all

For those of you who may not know it, Kevin Michael wrote "A Tale of Two Farthings" characterized as "in (modest) defense of Sir Henry Smith" for Ripperologist 78, April 2007. I have been in contact with him about doing a follow-up to the article. The cover of the issue containing his article can be seen here. It is well established that spivs tried to pass off polished farthings as half sovereigns.

Best regards

Chris

[Krinoid]

Hi

Both in The JTR A to Z( 1991) and in the The Complete JTR A to Z (2010) by Begg, Fido and Skinner the theory of the farthings is supported. I simply fail to understand that.

Abberline

Is that true? I also thought one press report did mention this also at the time, why would they make this up?

[curious4]

Farthings

Hej Jukka!

I think I remember reading something about a man polishing farthings until they shone to cheat the poor prostitutes into believing that they were more valuable coins and possibly that these were found on at least one of the victims.

As to putting them on the eyes of dead people, they used pennies, perhaps to pay the ferryman but also for the very practical reason of keeping the eyes closed - a farthing would have been too small and light!

I do hope no-one will stop posting messages because their english is not perfect - donīt know how well we english would do in french after all. Couldnīt resist a smile, though, have made similar mistakes in my second language.

[spyglass]

Well !
If Maybrick was JTR, then there is no doubt that coins were left at the feet of Chapman because he admitted it
But on a serious note, is there many serious ripperoligists out there that still think it was at least likely?

[Inspector Abberline]

Hi everyone, I'm new and I was hoping someone could help me out with this. Up until recently I like many, considered the eerily placed farthings by Annie's feet merely another enduring myth of the Ripper and his legacy. But several authors in the last several years have claimed that the farthing 'myth' is, in fact, truth. Can someone clear this up for me or is this yet another area of Ripper study thats destined for perpetual argument?

Thanks guys

Hi

Both in The JTR A to Z( 1991) and in the The Complete JTR A to Z (2010) by Begg, Fido and Skinner the theory of the farthings is supported. I simply fail to understand that.

Abberline

[joelhall]

If there had been any type of coins at Annie's feet I suppose it would have had to have been considered one of the Ripper's cruel jokes, like he was paying her for her services after killing her.

if true this is my sentiment exactly. i dont buy into the ritualistic theories.

[DVV]

"To the confusing part, we could add that Major Smith refers to the fartings in his memoirs"

A simple typing error no doubt, yet it does rather some up some peoples opinion of Major Smith's memoirs.

Rgds
John

Hello Mr Savage,
thanks for this. You inspired me a new theory, let's call it the "Major Smith's farting theory". That would explain how this excellent man almost successfully tracked down Jack up to Dorset Street.
More seriously, I understand that my poor English is unpleasant to read, and I'm sincerely sorry and uneasy for that. I confess I enjoy the boards very much, it is the only place for me to discuss. In France, people merely know about the conspiracy, Maybrick, Cornwell, or the French disastrous "Macnaghten theory".
Imagine how it is difficult to talk, unless you have too much pastis.
Friendly,
DVV (very sorry broken english poster)

[DVV]

"To the confusing part, we could add that Major Smith refers to the fartings in his memoirs"

A simple typing error no doubt, yet it does rather some up some peoples opinion of Major Smith's memoirs.

Rgds
John

Hello Mr Savage,
thanks for this. You inspired me a new theory, let's call it the "Major Smith's farting theory". That would explain how this excellent man almost successfully tracked down Jack up to Dorset Street.
More seriously, I understand that my poor English is unpleasant to read, and I'm sincerely sorry and uneasy for that. I confess I enjoy the boards very much, it is the only place for me to discuss. In France, people merely know about the conspiracy, Maybrick, Cornwell, or the French disastrous "Macnaughten theory".
Imagine how it is difficult to talk, unless you have too much pastis.
Friendly,
DVV (very sorry broken english poster)