Corset with Busk
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Elizabeth S. Tuttle
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1820-1835
MediumCorset (.a): Hand-stitched cotton, with cotton cording and bone eyes.
Busk (.b): Unidentified wood with hand-stitched cotton cover.
DimensionsComponent (corset length x waist circumference): 17 1/2 x 22in. (44.5 x 55.9cm)
Component (busk length x width): 12 7/8 x 1 3/8in. (32.7 x 3.5cm)
Component (busk length x width): 12 7/8 x 1 3/8in. (32.7 x 3.5cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
DescriptionWoman's corset (.a) of cream-colored cotton sateen, stiffened with rows of cording laid in parallel rows. Each section of the corset (one front, two side, and two back panels) is separately made and then stitched to the next section. The top half of each section has bound edges, while the edges of the lower half are turned to the inside. A slot for the busk is stitched in the center front; the busk may be removed through an opening 1 1/2 inches above the bottom edge. Flanking the busk slot on the top half of the front panel, the cording is laid in opposing diagonal rows for 4 3/4 inches, then in two tiers of parallel vertical rows for 2 1/4 inches, ending at the waistline. The lower half of all of the corset panels are uncorded and plain. The side panels are corded diagonally in the half towards the front, but are plain under the armhole; a 1 3/8-inch-wide band of vertical rows of cording is stitched at the waistline. The back panels are corded diagonally in the top half and in a diamond trellis pattern at the waistline. The corset fastens at the center back with a lacing through bone eyelets. The shoulder straps are slanted towards the outside of the shoulders, creating a wide, square neckline. The upper and lower edges of the corset, along with the shoulder strap edges, are finished with twill-woven binding. The interior fabric is a plain-woven white cotton. Backstitching is used to create the channels for the cording. The top of the busk slot is patched with a coarser grade of cotton.
The busk (.b) is a thin slat of wood covered with tan, twill-woven cotton fabric. It is inserted in the center front of the corset.
The busk (.b) is a thin slat of wood covered with tan, twill-woven cotton fabric. It is inserted in the center front of the corset.
Object number2003.125.0a,b
MarkingsHand-written in dark brown ink along the proper right lower back edge, "Elizabeth S. Tuttle" in script letters.Subject Terms
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