1930's to the 1940's Period, U.S., Woman's, Peach Color, Corset

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Our Price: $85.00

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Product Code: UP070

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Description

This corset is believed, from it's construction details, that it dates from as early as the 1930's to as late as the 1940's period, but we are not sure either way. Dating can not be confirmed except for that fact that the garters are of the more complicated design that is usually encountered in 1930's period undergarments. The dating will have to remain the purview of the prospective buyer. It is also believed that this corset is of U.S. origin, but who can say now. For this particular corset, the length runs rather long, reaching up to just under the breasts. It does not appear to be long enough to be considered as a long line corset. But again, we will leave that final determination up to you. There are 4 garters attached to this specimen that definitely are of the complicated 1930's pattern. Unfortunately there are no internal tailor's tags found sewn in this particular garment. The size of this piece runs a bit longer than a period medium size (they always run smaller in size than today pieces), or so we think. But as with all of the garments being proffered by the museum, none are being sold to wear as they are all vintage collectibles. The material of this corset is of a heavier weight linen. It is both very tough and of a pink-ish/peach color. It must of been quite durable. There is little in the way of additional fine detailing added suggesting that this corset was intended for daily wear. It does not have an added "frilly" details, also suggesting that it was not an expensive garment when purchased new. But this corset does have some interesting additional design features that make it a little special.

The construction of this corset has incorporated 2 outer waist line, reinforcing sections. They were actually made as 2 separate pieces and which were then sewn on the left and right sides of the waist respectively. These 2 additional reinforcement panels also have a elasticized section added to each to give some limited freedom of movement. There are also 2 elastic sections that are found sewn in the upper, outer waist line area on each side. They also give a bit more movement to the upper waist. The front of this corset is of the usual metal closure hook(s) design using 4 standard type of metal hooks. But as an unusual design feature, found located just below these 4 closure hooks are 2 additional metal, loop style hooks that are very stong indeed. Just why the manufacturer chose to use 2 different styles of clasure hooks at the bottom is unknown. Perhaps their attachment allows for some additional, limited, lower hem line flexibility at the lower waist position. This is not what you would expect from a restraining corset type garment that was intended to do everything except to give flexibility at the waist.

As for the back of this corset, it is fully closed with matching color lacing. The inside is also interesting in that it is fully boned inside using standard width bones. However, these bones do not run the full up-and-down length of this corset in that they stop short about 5 inches or so up from the bottom hem. The short length of these bones allow this corset to be able to bulge out a little more at the lower bottom edge. This would allow for a little extra "flaring" of sorts at the hem. A popular corset appeal feature was the "wasp waist" look that it provided the wearer. This added adjustable bottom feature definitely added to the ever popular "wasp waist" look. This feature combined with the 2 odd-ball, frontal lower closure hooks suggest that this corset was intended for a lady who needed a little more lower tummy room. How considerate of them to add this option to a otherwise very restricting corset. Unusually, this would have added cost to the selling price of a rather inexpensive garment. However, added features are not unusual to find in a daily worn garment that otherwise would be a mundane piece. While there are no tags found in this corset, thankfully there is a little inked in printing that reads: "1006 Cotton-Rayon". As for the condition of this corset, we rate it in a LOW EXCELLENT CONDITION. It shows light wear, but has the usual gamut of age yellowing, snags, a few lose threads, and some tiny stains. None of these defects are detracting to the eye.

Comments from the Curator:

This corset is as good as you can get, or one that you could ever possibly need for a woman's vintage clothing display. It is in remarkably nice condition for an undergarment that was worn at one time or another. While it is of a fairly standard design, it is still one with an interesting lower hook(s) feature. This rather utilitarian garment would be a perfect fit for any 1930's/1940's mannequin that needs a corset to restrict the waist line so that small size outer garments can be fitted. Priced for the bargain hunters of fine lingerie.

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