Children with whips
Click here to view them larger.
I’m fully aware that a certain type of internet lurker may stumble across this post when seeking a certain type of imagery. I had previously, and rather innocently, created a post called “Children on leashes” (here) that drew suspiciously heavy traffic. And the word “muff” in a post called “Fur muff and plumed hat” (here) attracted a viewership that was undoubtedly disappointed by what it found. But, after all, here are pictures of children holding whips. I’m not sure why these were considered appropriate props for children. Were they some sort of toy then? My best guess is that this implies they have a pony and are about to go for a ride. But I’m happy for any other ideas on this. These are two little carte de visites. The one on the left has no information. The one on the right is produced by Oldham & Cooper in Birmingham, England. If you’re interested, the back is below (click to enlarge).
Pics of Then 
I read somewhere that whips were given exclusively to boys as studio props, never girls. Apparently whips were tokens of masculinity.
Interesting. It can sometimes be hard to distinguish boys and girls in these old pictures of children, so it makes sense that they would have clear-cut indications like that.