Rare, unusual and interesting antique costumes and textiles; for museums and collectors looking for that extra special piece, for new and established collectors and for those with a modest budget who want to adorn their person or home.

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Embroidered Corset
1820's

A particularly nice attractive example. I have had stays from this period before which were plainer and not embroidered. high-waisted dresses of the early 19th century required complementary undergarments. Soft corsets or stays like this one lifted the bust and compressed the waist and hips into a narrow tube-like shape. They thus allowed the skirt to fall in an unencumbered, flowing line from the high waist. The corded lines in this corset are not only decorative but lend rigidity to the undergarment. The cording is worked in the back stitch; back lacing through ivory eyelets.Marseille: Berenson, Kathryn The Cradle of White Corded Quilting


Cataloguing

of ivory coutil or jean cotton, all hand stitched with central busk flanked by bust gusset sections, the tops with inserts with embroidered decoration, with narrow cording at the sides, above horizontal cording interspersed with small decorative stitches, side boning, the hips with gusset sections, the back with stiffening (baleen) and embroidered eyelet holes, straps with two eyelet holes, busk top to bottom 14 1/2 in or 37 cm; under bust 25 in or 64 cm.


Condition

Very good.. There are some slight damp markings to the busk and back stiffenings and a gore. Similar inside. I would say this has not been worn.