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Corset
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Stays
Corset
Worn by: Mehetable Stoddard Sumner (Welles) (American, 1784–1826)
possibly French, worn in America
early 19th century
Place of Manufacture: possibly France; Place of Publication: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Medium/Technique
Cotton twill, linen plain weave (lining), cotton plain weave tape (edging), linen twill tape (lacing and drawstring), applied linen twill tape, baleen, silk thread
Dimensions
Overall (measured closed with shoulder panel laced): 51 x 41 cm (20 1/16 x 16 1/8 in.)
Center front: 41.4 cm (16 5/16 in.)
Center front: 41.4 cm (16 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Emily Welles Robbins (Mrs. Harry Pelham Robbins) and the Hon. Sumner Welles, in memory of Georgiana Welles Sargent
Accession Number49.904
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsFashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionLightly boned stays of cotton twill, drawstring across neck, four gussets and three corded bands at bust; empty steel or busk casing down center front, corded side seams, shoulder straps part of a back flap, back flap laced through four sets of holes at side seams, baleen bones in back shoulder flap and lower back sides, empty bone casings along back lacing holes, linen twill tape applied to lacing holes on shoulder flap and back edges, corded back edges, seams and lacing hoes sewn with silk thread, edges bound in cotton plain weave tape
ProvenanceInherited by Miss Georgiana Welles Sargent (born 1858) of New York City; Gift of Emily Welles Robbins (Mrs. Harry Pelham Robbins) and the Hon. Sumner Welles, in memory of Georgiana Welles Sargent, to MFA, 1949