The "concept" & NEED to carry concealed far predates our "modern times" by 200 years ( but the reasons were the same.)
The popular pistols carried concealed were called by many names such as - Pocket pistols, Muff pistols ( yes females CC'd), factors pistols etc.
They varied greatly depending on the period etc. ( Flinters, cappers, single shot, multi shot, breech loaders, Muzzle loaders, et al )
As a "part" of your persona, Do you "pack one" ?? If so, What & Why
I, in my HBC persona, pack one.
It is a "capper" made by a man from miscellaneous parts. .36 cal , well made. I carry as a "factor's pistol". {pic #3} Do I carry = yep, but seldom seen. Have I "used" yep, but only a few times in "derringer" shoots, for giggles. BTW, it was the 2nd pistol I owned )
A Very,Very popular type was "screw bbl." (HBC actually issued them to clerks & above)