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Corset
Stays
Corset
Worn by: Mehetable Stoddard Sumner (Welles) (American, 1784–1826)
possibly French, used in America
early 19th century
Place of Manufacture: possibly France; Place of Use: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Medium/Technique
Cotton twill, linen plain weave (binding), silk thread
Dimensions
Overall (measured open and flat with straps up): 48 x 60 cm (18 7/8 x 23 5/8 in.)
Other (center front length): 38 cm (14 15/16 in.)
Other (center front length): 38 cm (14 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Emily Welles Robbins (Mrs. Harry Pelham Robbins) and the Hon. Sumner Welles, in memory of Georgiana Welles Sargent
Accession Number49.905
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsFashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionLightly boned pair of stays in white cotton twill, top edge bound in same fabric, bottom edge bound in beige linen fabric, empty busk or steel casing down center front (interior stains), empty casings for baleen at back along lacing edges, pieced section at wearer's back lower left, all seams and lacing holes sewn with silk thread
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