c.1890. Gage- Downs (often abbreviated to GD) corsetwaist made from black sateen with sprigs of pink and blue flowers hand embroidered on it. Corsetwaists were hailed as a healthier alternative to a traditional boned corset. They often had high busts with shoulder straps to support the breasts and back and could either have a traditional busk front closure or buttons. Corsetwaists relied more on cording than boning for figure support. They were popular amongst working class women as they gave a contemporary figure yet gave more freedom of movement and support than a regular corset. They were fairly inexpensive yet were well made. This model has a pleated bust with an inner slot which accommodated different breast sizes and allowed for slight padding for figure enhancement. The shoulder straps would have pinned on at the front.
Chocolate brown bobbin lace trims the top of the corset in which light blue silk ribbon is inserted through it. It is fully corded with the exception of the front fastening busk and watchspring stays on both sides of the grommet holes for support. This corset has it's original side steels although Gage- Downs gave wearers the option of removing these either temporarily for washing or permanently for comfort by adding a button- style hole at the top of each side steel's bone casing. The curved busk is backed with an equally curved watchspring busk protector to prevent it from snapping in two from use.
The top front of the corsetwaist has a sateen covered snap, earlier models before 1890, had a button closure. The snap has a patent date of June 11, 1889 stamped on it. The original woven navy on white label is present with "This Garment Is The G & D CHICAGO WAIST Ladies Model Gage-Downs & Co. Chicago Manufacturers" marked on it.
Measurements: Bust 32", Waist 19", Hips 28", Busk length 15".

From the collection of K. Augusta
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