Corset

Date1820-1830

MediumCotton (Ground Fabric); Yellow Silk Thread (Construction); Cotton (Cord); Cotton Tape (Edging); Bone (Eyelets)

DimensionsLength: 19"; Waist 20 1/2"

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Cora Ginsburg

Object number1991-511

DescriptionWoman's white corset, cord quilted with yellow silk back stitches in decorative patterns consisting of scallops, parallel lines, and waves. Corset has wide shoulder straps, gores for bust, slightly raised waist, and a space at center front lining for a busk. Bottom of center front busk pocket has two punched holes and laces. Back opening with bone eyelets. "S.A. Yale No. 8" is written in ink at the interior front panel approximately 5" above the bottom edge.
Label TextIn contrast to cone-shaped stays of the eighteenth century, nineteenth-century corsets molded the body into an hourglass shape. Gussets accommodated the fullness of the breasts. This corset has a pocket at center-front for a strip of wood or metal, called a busk, that helped mold the figure and flatten the stomach. The waist measures about 21 inches.
Markings"S. A. Yale No. 8" (probably owner)