CORSET CURIOSITY

Hi all! I'm new to the site, as of yesterday, and looking to gain some knowledge on some of the items in my collection . Today I come to you w/ the curious case of the corset . My friend picked this up at an estate sale, knowing I love all things Victorian. I was beyond elated because I didn't have one, as I try to only collect smaller items that I can put in my 2 display cabinets. Here she is...

It's a Hercules supporting corset (patented November 19, 1878). The
thing that baffles me is the size! Opened and laid out it is approximately 14" and closed it is approximately 6". Would this have been a salesman's sample? While I'm aware that girls began wearing corsets when they were a teenager, it still seems awfully small for even a young girl!

 

I "had" to re-upload the first photo because I realized it was upside-down~lol.

 

nice !!!

 

@komokwa Thanks! I absolutely love it and I'm so grateful I've had the opportunity to add it to my collection .

 

wasp waist...........???

 

Since it has a full figure breast,, I would go for salesmans sample ! Keep in mind that the patent date is not when this was made or used ! Just that the style was patented ! Could be sold or used many years later !

 

one could always stuff tissue in those cups !!!

 

All I can say is ouch. Neat find.

 

This single ad circa 1881 popped up a few time while searching.
https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e0-fcc6-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

James.

 

Dang... 6" waist IS very small! what size is the bust measurement?
Leslie

 

No way !! That is an altered pic !

 

Oh, that is just unreal!... I know they did do that (and there are still a few women around that do)... but every time I see one THAT small it just shocks me!

Leslie

 

really, now !



i'm shocked , an older woman would not know about such things......

 

No, probably not an altered photo. There are women who are really into corsetry...and are striving for that wasp waist ... yes, even today. Shocking as it is... and I even can't believe my eyes!
Leslie

 

Corsetry is one thing,, and some do ! But there are body parts you can not compress ! Diaphram is one ! I am 5ft 1 and 113 lbs and with a 30 inch waist could not breathe like that ! Don`t believe me,, try it !

 

I understand that it takes years to train your body to cinch down to that...if you check you tube for "Kathy Jung waist" - you'll pull up a gal whose is 15".

Leslie