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Materials: Natural homespun linen, linen
thread, baleen boning, leather.
Condition: Excellent. Linen faintly
discolored; two small 1.5" areas where leather binding worn.
Measurements: B, 33", W, 26";
Center F, 12.5"; Center B, 14.75".
Comments: Over 120 pieces of baleen
boning were inserted into hand sewn one quarter inch channels to fashion
these mid 18th century stays. The characteristic white leather binding
held the baleen bones in place while protecting the wearer should one
poke through the linen. Leather also reinforced the 8 pair of
eyelet holes from the tension of the laces. The center 6 eyelet pairs
are offset, allowing the stays to be laced up the back in a spiral
fashion. Rare American stays in marvelous condition. For similar
stays in The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's collection, see
Baumgarten & Watson's, Costume Close-Up.
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