Mal Cut Purse. From James CaulfieldÕs Portraits, Memoirs & Characters of Remarkable Persons... de [Mal Cutpurse. Aka Mary Frith. Infamous Crossdressing Pickpocket and Smoker] - 1794.

London:: Printed for J. Caulfield,, 1794.. First edition.. 6.25 x 10 inches.. Original engraving single print. 6.25 x 10 inches. Minor edge wear. Minor foxing. Fine impression. Mary Frith aka Mal Cutpurse c.1584-1659. Notorious English pickpocket in London. Often dressed as a man. Considered the first Òfemale smoker of EnglandÓ which was unheard of [women smoking]. Known to rude and fowl mouthed. Also worked as a pimp not only recruiting young women for men but also male lovers for middle-class wives. She was recorded as having been burned four times on her hand a common punishment for thieves. ÒMalÓ, or ÒMollÓ was a common name in the 16017th century for young women of disreputable character. The term ÒCutpurseÓ referes to her reputation as a thief who would cut purses to steal the contents. Comes with backing board and mylar. James CaulfieldÕs famous [or perhaps, infamous] collection of portraits and accounts of notable rogues, criminals, freaks, and other curious characters. This print is from the first edition of the collection London 1794.