1830's Transitional Corded Corset or Stays
~ Ferre Family Provenance

Hand made by Miss Emily Porter in the 1830's prior to her marriage to James H. Ferre, this cotton sateen transitional corset or stays has survived with its provenance in the form of a hand written note, still attached to one of the bone grommets in the back. The note reads, Made by Emily Porter (Mrs James H. Ferre).  In addition there is a faint signature inked on the front of the busk pocket as indicated in photos six and seen faintly in the following close-ups.  James and Emily were married in 1840 as we know from the note found on Emily's wedding shoes as well as the family record, and from that we know the corset was made prior to their marriage.

The bust gussets appear to have been replaced at some point either as a replacement due to wear or an alteration to accommodate changing fashions. This is a period alteration and entirely done by hand as is the cord quilting. The wide neckline echoes that of the 1830s. The back closure would have been laced through the bone grommets found on either side of the opening. There is general age yellowing of the cotton sateen which is to be expected on a garment of this type and age.

The Ferre family moved from Hartford, CT to West Springfield, MA (now known as Agawam) in 1800. The farmhouse where they settled remained in the family until 2004.  In addition to the Ferre family items linked above we are also offering an 1830s Berlin work presented to Emily Porter.

Bust ~ 30"
Waist ~ 22"
Length Shoulder to Hem ~ 16"