“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.
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.)
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.
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.
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 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 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 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
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.
Cage Crinoline with Red Cotton
Cage crinoline, red cotton covered bands of wire suspended on trill tape, cage begins 20” from waist, 13” long, 22” diameter at bottom, 16” at top, 23” waist. Early 1900s.
Canvas Bustle
Canvas Bustle made with a cage running from side seam to side seam across the back and an internal section which laces like a corset with 12 pairs of eyelets. Tightening and loosening this section changes the silhouette created by the cage. 33” long and adjustable up to 30.”
Charis Corselette w/attached corset
Charis Corselette w/attached corset. Peach satin corselette with a girdle and bra combined with an inner lace coset. Inside corset is peach drill, laces on the 2 sides under the bosom. It fastens with 10 hooks and eyes at left front and a second panel with 4 hooks and eyes. There is a triangular elastic panel at each hip which is attached both the inner corset and outer garment. The side garters are also attached to both pieces of the garment. The outer garment fastens with 25 hooks and eyes at the left side. There is a mesh panel at center front below the bosm and a laced panel with 7 pairs of hooks and eyes at the lower tummy. It is interesting to note that this panel laces with elastic cord. The top half of the bra is chiffon. Label: Charis Corporation, Allentown, Pa, Made in U.S.A.DATE: Circa 1958.
Collapsible Hanger for drying washed corset
Collapsible Hanger for drying washed corset, designed so corset will keep its original shape. Wood hanger with wire hook for hanging. Parts in addition to the wire form include a piece of ecru cotton covering the front of the wire and cotton twill strips, cotton cording and metal brads used to create the collapsible hanger. Stamped on cotton, “To expand - pull cord up to very end, then draw to right until fastened. To collapse - draw cord to center and let go.” 20” long when expanded.
Corset Cover, fine linen
Fine linen Corset Cover buttons center front with 7 mother of pearl buttons, there is a tiny pocket on the left side just below the underarm with one button. It is an unusual place for a pocket, don’t know what it is for. The neckline and arms eye are decorated in a hand crocheted diamond pattern. There is a white satin ribbon running through the top to cinch it in. There are princess seams in the back and 2 darts on each side under the bosom to create the shape. DATE: 1910 through the teens.
Corset Covering, cream cotton lace
Corset Covering, cream cotton lace netting w/embroidered flowers; 6 vertical rows of tape fabric go around the circumference w/narrow pale pink satin ribbon woven through, and ribbon tying into bows at the back to connect the two sides; wide pink satin ribbon straps and bows. DATE: 1910 through teens.
Corset Covering, white
Corset Covering, white, front has 5 rows of ribbon netting with embroidered flowers, sides and back cotton netting, lace trim and straps, elastic along the bottom edge. DATE: Early 1900s through the teens.
Covered wire bustle
Covered wire bustle superstructure is in a series of 4 tiers held together with metal eyelets. The ends of the 2 sides are attached w/a piece of brown leather and 8 metal eyelets. bustle fastens around the waist w/a belt of a heavy woven ecru cotton tape and has prong-style buckle. At some time an 8” ecru piece of cotton fabric was attached to the end of the belt. The waist is adjustable 24” to 36.” The form is ridged and not collapsible. DATE: Circa 1875.
Cream satin folder
Cream satin folder, fabric folded horizontally, outside of fabric imprinted w/flowers with pink binding, the inside pink with 2 large pockets. Folder 16’ x 11.” In its original box, pink lid covered w/blue flowers encircled with white dots. “Le Sonier” is written across each flower in small script. Le Sonier, New York and Boston. DATE: 1940s.
Crochet Corset Covers
Booklet for “Old and New Designs Crochet Corset Covers and Nightgown Yokes,” by “Sophie T. La Crois, Book No. 9, Price 10 Cents.” Published by St. Louis Fancy Work Co., St. Louis, Mo. DATED: 1900.
Crocheted Yoke
Yoke crocheted in an open stitch with a diamond pattern, narrow pink satin ribbon woven in along the neckline and armholes and tied in a bow at the top of the right shoulder, bottom of left and center front. The yoke has no opening, crocheted in one piece.
Crocheted Yoke
crocheted in an open stitch with a floral pattern in different stitches. The yoke is open in the back and ties with crocheted strings with crocheted rings. It does not have armholes.
DeBevoise advertising
DeBevoise 7” x 11” card advertising “DeBevoise Brassiere for Christmas” pictures a woman wearing a corset with words “ Gift Suggestion.” Print black and red, sides bordered with holly. DATE: 1915 through 1920s.
2010.5.4 Display placard advertisement for “Life-Bra by Formfit, Elevates, Separates, Rejuvenates.” Light greenish gray chipboard ad w/a metal frame has a 12” picture of a pretty woman wearing a pink bra. She is smiling, has bright red lips, a and a 40s style curly hairdo. There is a hanging cord on the back. 12” x 20.” DATE: 1940s.
Display Model-Formfit Creations
Display Model for “Formfit Creations Life Bra,” moulded of cellulose (cotton/wood) in a deep pink flesh color, 13” at its widest point and 17” from the neck to the waist. DATE: 1930s or 40s.
Display Placard Advertisement
Display placard advertisement for “Life-Bra by Formfit, Elevates, Separates, Rejuvenates.” Light greenish gray chipboard ad w/a metal frame has a 12” picture of a pretty woman wearing a pink bra. She is smiling, has bright red lips, a and a 40s style curly hairdo. There is a hanging cord on the back. 12” x 20.”
DATE: 1940s
Drawers, off white cotton
Drawers, off white cotton, 22” from waist to bottom edge; button at waist, closed crotch; just above the bottom trim and around the circumference are large lace ribbon vertical shaped eights; each leg has as 4-1/4” ruffle which terminates in scalloped lace; where ruffle attaches there is eyelet lace which is run through w/a cream silk ribbon and a blue ribbon bow along the hem of each leg. The bows suggest that these drawers were worn for a wedding, the blue ribbon being the “something blue.” This was a common enhancement for wedding day underwear. DATE: Circa 1908, Edwardian.
Fabric Corset Bags
Fabric Corset Bags, hand-embroidered. DATE: Late 19th Century.
- Envelope style bag, medium blue w/trim embroidered in pink and white and pink buttons. In the center ”Corsets” embroidered in white and framed in pink. The bag closes with a self fabric covered button.
- Pale peach bag with a drawstring opening on one end, embroidered wit two white flowers, pale green leaves and branches.
Fabric stuffed bum pad
Fabric stuffed bum pad with 3 metal rings across the back, brown cloth band made of calico along the top extends long enough to tie into a belt. Pad appears handmade, there is some machine stitching. By the mid 1870s fashion had begun to change from the “shelf” across the back to a smooth slope.. The new style was influenced by Martha Washington at the 1876 Centennial Exposition. To achieve this new look women no longer needed a “full bustle” and just wore a small pad. DATE: Circa 1877.
Fancy elastic Garters
3.12 Hot pink satin elastic garters with self fabric roses and a light pink backing. DATE: 1920s into the 30s.
3.21 Light blue satin elastic garters with 3 roses in white and pink, and a pink backing.
3.15 Brown satin elastic garters, pink backing and pink bow with self fabric ribbon flower in the center. DATE: 1920s.
3.16 Elastic satin garters, one side pink, other side black, black lace trim; on original red and black card w/a picture of a lady’s legs putting on garter. DATE: 1920s and 30s.
Fancy hand crocheted Garters
Hand crocheted garters in cream with the bottom 2/3s interlaced with light green ribbon that ties into a bow at the bottom. The top of the crocheted garter is cream ribbon backed w/elasticized fabric. There is a square gold tone clamp attached for adjusting the length and a large safety pin at the top. The clamp has an embossed floral design. DATE: 20s to mid 30s.
Light green hand crocheted round garters interlaced with white elastic. An attached faux mother of pearl seashell snaps open and closed for adjusting size. Ribbon bow DATE: 20s to mid 30s.
Fancy handmade satin Garters
Pair of pale pink satin garters with safety pins attached to the top. The fabric is gathered at the bottom and attached to a small bone color ring. Probably handmade.
Fancy light blue satin Garters
Light blue satin garters with a pink and a blue flower and a white feather extending out from the flower. Pink satin backing. On original green card in white box with the letters BOAG.
Fancy orange satin ribbon Garters
Orange satin ribbon trimmed with 3 thin green, white and black stripes Center of card decorated w/large deep yellow flower. Box is covered with pale green paper of a flapper tip toeing across a field in the foreground with flowers against the sky, soft pastel colors. DATE: 1920s through 30s.
Fancy orchid satin ribbon Garters
Orchid satin ribbon garters with a small orchid flower in the center and trimmed with narrow yellow and green stripes. Includes a round orchid powder puff with a long wand and the same orchid flower that is on the garters. Garters on an orchid and gold card. Outside of box is gold and white. DATE: 20s through 30s.
Fancy pink cotton and teal satin Garters
Pink cotton elastic garters with a flapper’s face on a center button. She is wearing a self fabric cloche and has a painted face. The button is framed with white feathers. DATE: 1920s into the 30s.
Teal satin elastic garters with a young girl’s face painted on a center button. Under the button is a pink bow. DATE: 1920s
Fancy satin Elastic Garters
Yellow satin elastic garters, fabric on the underside, with a gold, blue and red embroidered butterfly and same colors in beaded fringe. Red rhinestones are on pink ribbon bows at each side. Hand written card says, “Made by prisoners at Leavenworth Kansas Penitentiary.” DATE: 1920s.
Child’s rose satin elastic garters beaded w/the word “BABY.” Gold ornamental beads hang with blue rhinestones at the bottom of the beading. Red rhinestones at the sides on navy ribbon bows. Attached card says, Made by prisoners at Leavenworth Kansas Penitentiary. DATE: 1920s.
Fancy teal satin elastic “Bow Garters”
Teal satin elastic “Bow Garters” with 2 large ribbon bows. Attached card says, “Season’s Greetings.” In original box with a clear plastic top trimmed in lace doily paper. DATE: 1930s.
Fancy teal satin ribbon Garters
Light teal satin ribbon with pink backing. 3 flowers, white, peach and pink made of a fuzzy paper with red bead centers. Blue gathered ribbon on ends of flower bunch. In original box 4” x 6-1/4,” top covered with printed paper in blue, red, black yellow and green shapes with gold outline. DATED: Jan 5, 1928.
Fancy teal satin ribbon Garters
Teal satin ribbon garters with a pink border trimmed in off white lace and 3 matching flowers. Top of paper covered box shows a woman in profile wearing a ball gown. She is framed against a yellow and green background. DATE: 20s through 30s.
Ferris Good Sense Waist, heavy cotton corset
Ferris Good Sense Waist, heavy cotton corset, cream color, only 2 bones, one at each side seam, the rest of the structure has cording; there is a metal center busk, adjustable w/lacing at center back and over the hip area. The shape of the bosom is created w/cording. There are straps which are adjustable and fastens w/one button at shoulder. The corset fastens center front w/8 mother-of-pearl buttons; no garters. There are 2 mother-of-pearl buttons at the side seams about at the waist and 2 small flat center front, crescent shaped buttons along the bottom center front says: “Ferris Good Sense 219” in red. 13” long. Ferris Bros. NY and San Francisco. DATE: 1885 to 1895.
Free Standing Venus Flesh Color Display Model
Free standing Venus “Flesh Color Display Model,” says, “VenuS YB Stout?” the woman is 36” long and wearing a full corset w/a lace bodice, elastic straps, a working 5” zipper from waist down and 6 fabric garters. The base covers the legs below the knees. Trademark 11/25/25 by Venus Brassiere Co., Chicago. DATE: 1940s.
