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Woman's Stays

Late 18th century
Artist/maker unknown, American
The cross-boning in these lightly boned stays would have created the fashionably round bust of the period. Adjustable shoulder straps, held in place by tape Vs at the top of the high back, cross to hook onto the side fronts; these served to keep the shoulder blades down and the chest out. Pairs of worked eyelets at the side fronts would have facilitated the attachment of hip pads.

Object Details

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