Stays

Date1775-1790

MediumCotton, linen (lining), meatl (boning), baleen (boning)

DimensionsCenter back length: 15 1/2"; Center front length: 11 1/2"; Waist approx: 32"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1999-19

DescriptionWoman's boned stays made of napped brown cotton twill, interlayered with linen, boned with metal and baleen, and lined with linen. The center front panells of the stays are fully boned, but the sides and back are only partially boned. Stays have finger tabs that splay out over the hips and center back lacing eyelets.No straps over shoulders. The binding along the top edge and the bottom center front is missing.

Construction History:
1. 1775-90: Initial Construction
ProvenancePossibly used in Virginia. Said by vendor to have been found in Virginia.