Antique Late 1910's, Early 1920's H & W Maternity Corset

Description: Rare antique c. late 1910's, early 1920's ivory cotton maternity corset by H & W, with a special design providing an adjustable fit as a woman's pregnancy progresses. Underbust style, featuring traditional center back lacing, with the addition of side and lower front lacing panels backed with cotton muslin, as well as layered bands of elastic down center front for further flexibility and comfort. Busk front with three mother-of-pearl buttons at bottom panel, and four garters with decorative silver strap buckles and grips. Finished with silk satin and scallop lace trim across top. A wonderful and rare example of maternity wear from the early 20th century. Labeled: H&W, size 25 on lower front exteriorStamped: H&W Corset Waist, Style No. 2213 (or possibly 2218) on interior by back lacingGarter grips bear patent number 3.29.1910 A very similarly styled maternity corset is featured in a H&W advertisement from 1920, with a Style No. of 2215 (image courtesy of witness2fashion.wordpress.com). This ad is featured in the book Bound and Determined - A Visual History of Corsets 1850-1960, by Kristina Seleshanko. The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection contains two examples from the H&W maternity corset line, with similar lacing configuration to this piece, dating to 1908 and 1915. Measurements are approximate and are of boned panels and elastic only, not including lace openings. top circumference (taken at uppermost eyelet) - 29.5" midpoint - 29"bottom (at lowest eyelet) - 36"center front length - 14.5"center back length - 14" Condition: This piece has not been cleaned and is being sold as found. There is soiling discoloration and faint spotting from storage throughout, and a few stains. There isn't much dark rust staining, with exception of some small spots on the garter belts (mostly beneath the buckle teeth - see last photo for example), so I believe it would clean up nicely. The elastic bands and garter belts have some stretch left, but have started to deteriorate due to age so shouldn't be stressed. The silk satin trim at top is shredding and partially detached in places. The metal lace eyelets are tarnished/darkened and there are some places of rust on the metal garter buckles, most notable on the front right buckle and grip (last photo). This garter grip is missing its rubber fastener. All laces appear to be original. All items are carefully inspected prior to listing and my customer's satisfaction is important to me. I'm happy to answer any questions or supply additional photos if needed. Prompt payment following the auction is very much appreciated. A combined shipping invoice will be sent for multiple purchases. Note to international customers: Due to US regulations, I am unable to mark packages as gifts or adjust item values. Buyers are responsible for all custom fees and duties.

Price: 525 USD

Location: Tacoma, Washington

End Time: 2024-11-23T04:05:20.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD