Corset (2008.47)

White cotton twill corset with lining of the same, cotton twill tape binding, metal grommeted eyelets at center back, nine bone buttons at center front. Shaping and support are provided by rows of thin cotton cording, and vertical cardboard "boning"at center back, center front, underarm, and at back near shoulder blade on each side. Shoulder straps are wide at the high back, and extend to a rounded point, not fastened to the front of the corset. A tape with red woven maker's initials and number 28 (corset size) is sewn onto the front proper right side near the bottom of the corset.

Provenance Narrative
Ready-made corsets were prevalent by the late 19th century. This corset's straps are not sewn at the front, so that the customer could attach them at whatever length suited her. The lack of boning except for a few strips of cardboard indicates that this is a work or reform corset. Corsets were the target of many health concerns, and styles with less boning or none at all were marketed for those who either needed to be able to move about for work, or who chose to eschew the more fashionable shape. Most women wore corsets without lacing them tightly, and were accustomed to their resulting restrictions on movement (bending over, slouching, and in some eras, raising arms above the shoulder were made difficult by corsets and the construction of tight armseyes on fitted bodices).

Place Made
United States, Probably

Signatures/Marks
H & W 28