Pink sateen corset

United States

c.1899-1900 corset made from pink sateen and lined in white cotton twill. This is a transitional style corset which shows the progression from the hourglass shape of the Victorian era to the S-bend of the Edwardian era. Corsets during this transitional stage, were often slightly shorter than earlier corsets had been, coming up to cup the bustline rather than over it.
The busk on this corset is straighter than earlier corsets. Bobbin lace trims the top and bottom of the corset in which light blue baby ribbon has been inserted. Matching strips of blue silk ribbon also decorate the bust.
The corset is boned with baleen or cane stays and the back lacing grommets are steel. A flap of pink sateen covers the busk at the front, this would have created a smoother line under a tight fitting bodice and prevent the busk studs and loops from damaging the clothing on top of it.
There are two blue marks stamped in purple ink inside. One, “34” and the other “BALL……” The second mark is probably the maker’s but it is worn off.
Measurements: Bust 26″, Waist 22″, Hips 28″, Busk length 12″.