c.1900-1908. A light pink silk ribbon corset made in France for the American department store, B. Altman and Company. Ribbon corsets were popular amongst thin women who did not need the support of a full corset but just wanted their waist nipping in. Silk ribbon corsets were also used as negligee as a relief from a full boned corset while ribbon corsets made out of stronger material such as cotton twill, were favored during sporting activities.
This ribbon corset has a straight front busk which is lined at the back with pink plush for comfort. Hearts are stamped on the busk loop and an upside down hook is seen on the busk. These are often seen on French corsets and were used to anchor the waistbands of petticoats, etc underneath it to stop them from riding up and creating bulk at the waist. Their second use was if you tied the excess ends of the corset lacing around your waist, you could anchor them underneath this hook to to prevent bulk at the waist. The corset is boned with whalebone and has the stamp of B. Altman and Company on the inside as well.
This particular corset is part of the Rejane line of ribbon corsets. Although the original French manufacturer is unknown, the Rejane was produced for several large American department stores to be sold under the shop's own name. Some Rejane's have stocking suspenders at the front and came in different colors.
Measurements: Waist 21", Busk length 11".

From the collection of L. Hidic
corsetsandcrinolines.com

AntiqueCorsetGallery Home