The busk is fairly unusual for 1910's corsets as it is curved, most busks by this date are straight. The busk also has a ornate busk hook slotted into it to anchor down excess corset lacing and the waistbands of petticoats. The front bottom of the corset fastens with 3 sets of hook and eyes. Although this corset is typical of 1910's corsets with it's high waist placement and fashionable long line shape, it has two unusual features.
C.1910. A drab sateen corset made by Au Royal Corset 13 Fuencarral, 15. Madrid. The high, heart shaped bustline is covered in beige colored silk satin with a wide 4 3/4" band of scalloped lace trimming the top of the corset. Peach silk baby ribbon is threaded through the ribbon slots in the lace and a peach silk rosette (now shattering from age), decorates the top of the busk.
Most 1910' corsets have straight seams or some diagonal seaming left over from the S-bend styles of the early Edwardian era. This particular corset has diagonal and curved seams running to the back and front. The seams on this corset look like a cross between the backwards running seams of the late Victorian Y&N Diagonal Seam corset and the forward running seams of a typical early 1900's S-bend corset. The unusual seaming on this corset gives a more pronounced hourglass figure yet still retaining the slim fashionable lines of the 1910's. The second unusual feature on this corset are the metal loops sewn on the right hip. These were meant to attach stocking suspenders to but the lack of any on the left side is a mystery.
The corset is boned with whalebone along with flat side steels. The back steels are curved to follow the lines of the figure which allows for a smoother and comfortable fit. Silk flossing strengthen and decorates each bone casing.
Baleinage Extra "Ariston" along with the model number of 1800 is stamped in purple ink on the inside. The corset is not lined.
Measurements: Bust 32", Waist 22", Hips 35", Busk length 12", Front length 17 3/4", Back length 19".
