“Playtex Living Girdle” Tube
“Playtex Living Girdle” 19” cardboard Tube covered with silver mylar paper. In black print “made of smooth liquid latex, A New Discovery in Figure Control.” 3 pictures of a woman seen from the back wearing hose, shoes and a pink girdle. International Latex Corp, Dover, Delaware, copyright 1941. DATE: 1941 into 50s.
“American Beauty” Corset Box
“American Beauty” Corset Box. 20” x 40” beige box with one long stem red rose on the lid. Kalamazoo Corset Co., U.S.A. Company name changed to the Grace Corset Company in 1922.
“Sarong, the criss-cross girdle” Box
“Sarong, the criss-cross girdle” Box. The girdle “that walks and won’t ride up!” Blueish gray box 5” x 18” w/a black and white picture of a woman in her bullet bra and girdle. Her hands are stretched out high, she is looking over her shoulder, up on one foot as if in a graceful dance position. Says, “the girdle that walks and won’t ride up!” and “Div. 28, style 6286, color white, skirt length 14, size 34.” This was a mail order item from Montgomery Ward and includes original tissue and a leaflet. ” A guide to the correct size of your Carol Brent brassiere and foundation garment, personal assistance by Joan Browne or a trained assistant at the nearest Wards Mail Order House.” Includes how to measure for the foundation and brassieres, return policy and how to launder. It was the first major mail order catalog when published in 1872, providing a whole new way to shop, especially important to those in rural areas. DATE: 1950s.
2 Rollins Runstop Hosiery Boxes
2 Rollins Runstop Hosiery Boxes. Both boxes say “Full Fashioned Service” DATED: Mid 1920s through the 40s. (Ads for Rollins in publications from 1925, 1937 and 1940) “No More Embarrassing Garter Runs.” Small triangular sticker on box says, “Delta Heel.” & “Improved Double Runstop, Red at Hem, Color of Hose at Knee” and “Stops Embarrassing Garter Runs.”
3 pairs of Leading Lady Hose, back seam
3 pairs of “Leading Lady” Hose, back seam, top edge has ½” wide elastic band, cinnamon color. DATE: 1940s.
3 piece gray silk and voided velvet dress. The skirt is very or
3 piece gray silk and voided velvet dress. The skirt is very ornate w/a center panel of gray voided velvet damask in a floral pattern. There are multiple chenille tendrils on the border between the decorative panel and the main body of the skirt. The underskirt has a box pleated ruffle 3” deep. The back of the skirt has a bustle arrangement w/a wide bow of the damask voided velvet and more chenille tendrils. The bow fastens to the back of the bodice at the small of the back. The interior of the skirt has its own bustle superstructure made of elastic and metal boning and is adjustable for width and circumference of the bustle. The bodice is gray silk w/the collar, front placket and cuff decoration of the voided velvet damask. Dress fastens down the front with 19 buttons and buttonholes, the very top button missing. The bodice is heavily boned with balene. There is a mantle made of the voided velvet damask w/chenille tendrils as fringe which rest over the shoulders and across the yoke of the bodice, but the dress can be worn w or without the mantle. The waist is 25” and the skirt is 36” at center front. Label: Johnston Broadway at 22nd Street, New York. DATE: Circa 1886.
3 vertical spring coils
3 vertical spring coils covered w/cotton, 8” long, fastens at waist w/twill tape and 2 prong buckle, adjustable to maximum of 28,” covered with white cotton and lace edging. It has a belt made of a strip of white cotton and a metal clasp. DATE: Circa 1885. (Metal has oxidized and there are rust stains wherever the coil is touching the fabric.)
4 Coil Haut ton
4 Coils covered dark ecru cotton with a small pad at the back of the waist; secured by a belt around the waist which fastened in the front with a 2 pronged buckle, adjustable to 26.” Called a “haut ton” which means “of the aristocracy.” DATE: Circa 1885. (Cotton casing is very discolored, perhaps from residual oil on the metal.)
A Bathing Suit, one piece black suit with pantaloon style pants
One piece black suit with pantaloon style pants and a separate over skirt that closes with a button at the back. Skirt waistband attaches to the bodice with 4 concealed front and side buttons and in the back the button that closes the skirt also attaches to the bodice. It has two buttons on the left shoulder and 7 concealed buttons from left shoulder to 7” below the waist. The short sleeves gather at the shoulder and sleeve opening to create puffed look. Suit decorated with 1/2” tan and white ribbon. Bodice has 3 rows along the square neckline and 2 rows at the bottom of the sleeves. Skirt has 2 rows at the waist and 3 rows along the bottom. Skirt and pantaloons 26” to 26-1/2” from top of waistband to bottom edge. Bodice and skirt label crocheted with the initials MCM. DATE: Turn of Century to about 1915.
A Gym Wear bloomer-style Gym Costume, one piece fast
Navy blue wool bloomer-style lady’s gym costume, one piece fastens at front w/snap, brown polished cotton waistband inside, collar area also lined w/same polished cotton. Top fastens off center at left, sleeves are full and fall to the elbow. Legs are very full and gathered at the knees. Original elastic has lost its elasticity. Would be worn for taking exercise at a gymnasium or school. Would not be worn in any co-ed situation. Gymbloom Suit made exclusively by J.W.Knitt, Lansing, Michigan. Circa: 1910.WWI
A Milbury Atlantic Bathing Suit, black one piece skirted suit
Milbury, the Atlantic, black one piece skirted suit with separate pantaloons. Suit decorated with narrow black and white stripped ribbon. Down the front center from the top of neckline to the bottom the ribbon is 2” wide with horizontal stripes. Length 35.” 1-3/8” ribbon On each side of the bodice in the front and in the back, and along the cap sleeve openings, are1-3/8” diagonal stripes. There is very narrow ribbon around the neckline and around top and bottom edges of the 1-3/4”” waistband. There are 5 concealed button down the front, a hook and eye at the waist and one self fabric 1-3/8” diameter button 4” down from center of neckline. 22” from top of waistband to bottom edge. Pantaloons do not attach, have a narrow ribbon waistband, close with a button and are 25” in length. Both pieces with fabric label “38” in black ink. DATE: Circa 1910
A Pair of Bathing Shoes, Pair of Rauh Standard Bathing Shoes
Pair of Rauh’s “Standard Bathing Shoes,” black with 3 white stripes at ankle and white laces, size 6. DATE: 1920s.
A soft brown and black voided velvet and plain black velvet one
A soft brown and black voided velvet and plain black velvet one piece dress with a removable vest. Bodice is black velvet w/a cream net insert at the neckline, black velvet sleeves which end in a wide cuff of the voided black velvet, there is a 11-1/2” lace ruffle at the wrist, bodice has a stand up collar of voided velvet. The outer layer vest is boned and fastens at the center front w/hooks and eyes. The dress may have been remade in the 19-teens. Waist is 29” and 37” at the center front. Dress belonged to Taube Leah Goodman Ravel and said to have been the dress she wore when she came to the United States from Lithuania. She was the Grandmother of the provider of the content in this collection. DATE: Between 1896 and 1899.
A two piece dress of black heavy synthetic woven material
A two piece dress of black heavy synthetic woven material, very shiny, both pieces lined in sky blue acetate; bodice has wide scooped neck which would fall off the shoulder and very small cap sleeves, fastens on left side w/metal zipper, bodice is very fitted w/bust darts and princess seams. Skirt is full w/10 gores, each gore decorated at the hem w/flower bouquet in raffia in shades of green, blue, pink and red. The skirt has 25” waist and 26” long. Label: “Leone” Via Vigna Nuova 60 R. Firenze. DATE: 1960s. (Purchased in Florence, Italy by Vivette Rifkin, mother of the provided of this collection.)
A Water-Sprite black Bathing Suit
Water-Sprite black suit, with original tag that has a picture of woman on one side and description on the other, “ONE PIECE. Skirt can never detach. This positively prevents the embarrassment and damage of serious accident due to dropping of skirt-a frequent occurrence with ordinary bathing suits….” neckline edged with 2 rows of off white trim, sleeve opening with one row. Left shoulder has concealed buttons along length of suit. Attached full pantaloon style pants to the ankle. Label reads “April 14, 1914, Reg. U.S. Patented.” Skirt length 22” from waist to bottom edge of skirt, pantaloons 25.” DATED: 1914
Adjustable pink Corselette Straps
Adjustable pink Corselette Straps, sew on, in original 3” x 4-1/2” chip board envelope. DATE: 1920s.
Gemco, Brassiere and Garter Belt Repairs, on original card. DATE: 1920s into early 30s.
Fair, Brassiere Repairs, on original card. DATE: 1930s and 40s.
Aristo Hosiery, 3 pair Made of Dupont Nylon Color Toujours, w
Aristo Hosiery, 3 pair “Made of Dupont Nylon” Color Toujours, wrapped in original tissue with gold paper band.
Bathing Cap, Aqua Fashions- exclusive Mermaid Millinery creation
Aqua Fashions, “an exclusive Mermaid Millinery creation.” Black rubber cap covered with black chantilly lace and overlay of flowers made with metallic silver and gold thread pulled up into a knot at the top. US Rubber, w/original hang tag. DATE: 1950s.
Bathing Cap, Glaytex cream rubber cap
Glaytex cream rubber bathing cap has 1/4” spikes that circle 10 metallic plastic balls framed with rubber leaves. The balls are 1/2” in diameter and painted in gold, silver, green and red. Made in Spain. DATE: 40s and 50s.
Bathing Suit Box, Norfolk
Norfolk Bathings Suits box, light green background with white and black. Features a man and woman, each standing inside half of an open seashell modeling their bathing attire. Box 10” x 11.” Norfolk Knitting Mills, Stoughton, Mass. DATE: 1920s.
Bathing Suit, Bavaria Knitting Mills purple wool suit
Bavaria Knitting Mills purple wool suit with striped white and purple trim around the neck, arm openings, bottom of skirt and 2 front pockets. 3 black buttons at the right shoulder neckline. Attached shorts same length as skirted suit, Blum Bros., Chicago. DATE: 1910s early 20s.
Bathing Suit, Pelton deep teal one-piece wool skirt swimsuit
Pelton deep teal one-piece wool skirt swimsuit with attached shorts extending 2” below bottom of suit and 2 belt loops for a white and black belt with an adjustable square sliver buckle. “Brassiere-in Pat. #1666504, Chicago. DATE: 1920s.
Bathing Suit, Pilgrim Brand burgundy V neck wool suit
Pilgrim Brand burgundy V neck wool suit with 1” wide black diagonal line across the front and around arm openings. Left shoulder has 2 buttons and bottom of skirt trimmed in 2-1/2” black and burgundy stripes. Attached shorts extend 3” below skirt. Length below knee. Boston, Mass. DATE: 1910s.
Belle-o-the ball Collapsible Hoop
Belle-o-the ball Collapsible Hoop, cream color plastic in original “hat box” carrying case in same plastic, 8-1/2” diameter; includes small instruction booklet w/photographs and explanations of and folder in which two different shapes are illustrated and described, both on ecru paper with magenta. Clayton Manufacturing Co., Atlanta, Georgia. DATE: 1950s.
Belt or body
Belt or body, meant to be worn over a skirt or blouse. It is silk taffeta in pale pink and white stripes w/pink roses, green leaves and touches of purple around the top and bottom of the corset; decorative trim along the top and bottom edge; trim also used as shoulder straps, consists of a row of black and pink cording in curlicue design, a row of ecru ribbon w/pink roses and 1” of silk ecru thread in thick bunches; along sides of the opening and around the back and sides to give it a tightly styled bodice w/a fan-pleat in the front (all lines coming together at the low waist point, creating a “V” shape.) Hand sewn eyelets without strings. Exceptional piece. DATE: 1860s.
Berkshire Stockings Box. Color Wood Smoke
Berkshire Stockings Box. Color Wood Smoke, inside of top “The Home of Berkshire Stockings, Berkshire Knitting Mills, Reading, Pa.” w/picture of factory.
Bestforms Counter Display
Bestform’s Counter Display 16” x 11” w/a 3-dimensional celluloid woman in a teal and white bra and girdle and holding a jump rope. Text, “flirtation walk girdle, Frees You, gives as you walk, gives as you play, gives as you dance.” Made of chipboard and framed in teal w/a pink center. DATE: 1950s.
Black acetate two piece suit
Black acetate two piece suit. The skirt is very full, box pleated w/attached crinoline made of black acetate, white tulle and grosgrain ribbon trim in both black and mint green, w/a side metal zipper and two covered buttons at waist. Jacket is short w/short batwing sleeves which have a decorative cut at upper arm, fastens w/a large 1-1/4” black plastic button, jacket fastens center front w/3 of the same buttons. DATE: Circa 1957.
Black Cotton Hoop Petticoat
Hoop Petticoat, black cotton with internal bustle created with heavy cording, cording runs inside entire circumference but is drawn in with elastic from side seam to side seam across the back creating bustle effect. 32” center front, 37” center back. DATE: Mid 1800s.
Black cotton poodle skirt
Black cotton poodle skirt w/a white poodle wearing a green collar w/an oriental motif and a leash made of silver bric-a-brac. Circle skirt, waist 24” w/a side zipper and measure 24” length. The poodle skirt was especially popular with teen-age girls. DATE: Mid to late 1950s.
Black crepe bolero jacket went to a two piece dress
Black crepe bolero jacket went to a two piece dress (the underdress pictured not the original dress) Jacket has short puffed sleeves with 7 self fabric covered buttons down the front. The entire surface is decorated with fringed black braid in a curlicue pattern. Label: Original Franklin Salon Fashion, Chicago. DATE: Circa 1938.
Black moire taffeta bum pad
Small 7” x 8” black moire taffeta bum pad trimmed in black silk lace tied in back w/black quill tape hand made, probably stuffed w/horsehair. The bum pad creates a smooth slope at the back of the skirt. DATE: Circa 1877.
Black silk belt or body
Black silk belt or body, meant to be worn over a skirt or blouse. Bunches of 3 ebony beads are hand sewn over the entire front and back. It is boned, center back lacing w/dark brown cord and 10 hand stitched eyelets. All lines come together at the front in a low waist point, creating a “V” shape. Lined in light brown silk. Most of original black lace trim is gone. Circa: 1861.
Black silk belt or body
Black silk belt or body, meant to be worn over a skirt or blouse. It is boned, laces at center back w/black cord and hand stitched eyelets. There are 10 pair of eyelets at the center back; on either side of the center back opening are 2 additional openings w/3 pairs of eyelets each, laced with black cord. DATE: Circa: 1861.
Black Silk Satin Daughters Dress
Black silk satin daughter dress trimmed in fine black braid..Circa: 1926.
Black Silk Satin Mother Dress
Black silk satin mother dress trimmed in fine black braid. Circa: 1926.
The dress has loose fitting sleeves falling about to the elbow trimmed in very simple self fabric pleated trim. The bodice is lined in cream tulle, the front the dress has a square neckline. There is a panel on the front of the dress which separates at about the level of the bosom and is gathered at the hipline and then falls loosely to the hem. Where the panel is gathered at the hip there are 2 large beaded real jet ornaments in a lotus flower shape. These ornament measure 7-1/2” across and 11” front the top the the end of the fringe which hangs down to center. Dress fastens at left side with a snap. There is as pleated belt of self fabric across the back at hipline. Dress is not fitted.
Black Van Raalt silk Hose, back seam, patterned from knee down
Black Van Raalt silk Hose, back seam, patterned from knee down w/ tiny diamonds and V design. DATED: 1940s.
Black wire mesh bustle
Black wire mesh bustle made of molded window screens, the underneath is cotton canvas, it is piped in black sateen. Black twill ties at the waist, one tie is missing, the buckle is in 2 pieces and adjustable at center back so that it can be placed directly over the hip area to created the proper silhouette for the skirt. DATE: Circa 1901.
Brassiere, Capri Bra by Biflex
Capri Bra by Biflex, satin bullet bra in “nude” color, bottom half of the cup quilted. Original stapled small tag with size, 32B, and price. DATE: 1950s.
Brassiere, white cotton eyelet
Brassiere, white cotton eyelet, grosgrain ribbon for loops and ties, the opening reinforced with very narrow fabric covered wire on each side and hooks and eyes at the back with a small ribbon bow. Styled to flatten breasts. De Bevoise Brassiere Co. DATE: 1915 through1920s
Bright pink silk satin and ecru crocheted boudoir Cap
Pink silk satin and lavender crocheted boudoir Cap. The top of the crown crocheted in a circular open stitched pattern. 5 large crocheted circles stitched together form a rim around the front and on the sides. In the center of each circle is a large white ribbon flower. There is silk shattering. DATE: 1920s.
Brown and white stripped half apron
Brown and white stripped half apron with divided pockets across center, says “Grandma’s apron” and “Treats, Pennies, Band Aid, Baby and Tranquilizer” with corresponding pictures.
Brown cotton half apron with hand drawn picture of woman
Brown cotton half apron with hand drawn picture of woman wearing a brown flowered print dress with a yellow bow.
Brown silk cape, quilted and trimmed w/ moire silk ribbon
Brown silk cape, quilted and trimmed w/ moire silk ribbon and 4 round covered button with loops to close, 2 loops missing. Outer fabric is a silk damask woven in bands; bands 2-1/2” wide, alternating large and small floral motifs. Lining is brown polished cotton. There are slits on both side to admit the arms, full cut would accommodate large sleeves, it is 31” at center front. Circa 1896.
Brown silk velvet dress has self fabric capelet
Brown silk velvet dress has self fabric capelet trimmed in cream silk lace; dress has a V neck, drop waist; skirt is cartridge pleated w/a scalloped hem. Sleeves are long and fitted and fasten at wrist w/2 snaps. There are loops for a belt at the waist, but no belt present. Capelet is of the same material, gathered loosely at the center, no fastening. DATE: Circa1929.
Bust Bodice, Monobosom
Monobosom Bust Bodice in pink sateen damask with whalebone. Varying thickness and widths of whalebone are inserted into strips of the fabric. The 8 double vertical strips around the bodice are a narrow and thin whalebone making them flexible in order to pull the waist tighter. Â The thicker and wider sections that are sewed vertically over the fabric, and around the top and bottom are fairly rigid. Â The front has 2 layers that close in the center. The interior one is made of elasticized fabric and closes with a set of 6 steel loops over steel eyes. The outer layer has 6 hooks and 5 eyelets on each side and is tightened with narrow elastic laces. There is a wide elastic belt across the front with a metal buckle. The monobosom is designed to draw in the waist as much as possible, give the bust a straight line and to increase its frontage which hung low over the waist, and to create a pronounced curve over the hips. There are 4 attached garters. DATE: Circa 1905, Edwardian Period.
