Garter

Date1790-1835

MediumSilk satin; chenille; silk needlework; brass; iron; cotton stuffing.

DimensionsOW: 1 1/8"; OL: 14"

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Cora Ginsburg

Object number1985-263

DescriptionGarter with padded silk tabby face decorated with couched chenille and chain stitch in design of flowers, green leaves, a dog, and the word "ami" in a peach frame. Coiled metal springs covered with silk. Metal hook and eye.
Label TextGarters using coiled metal springs encased in silk were invented in the 1780s. They were intended to replace earlier garters that consisted of ribbons or tapes tied tightly around the leg. Martin Van Butchell, a surgeon-dentist in England, applied for a patent for spring bands in 1783, followed closely the next year by another English inventor named Jean Philippe, who applied for a patent using tempered steel in his spring garters. By the 1840s, elastic was introduced, making spring garters obsolete.
Markings"ami" and "1288"

Exhibition(s)