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Mourning corset

ca. 1863

Place madeUnited States, North America

Velvet, silk

Overall: 10 1/2 x 11 1/2 in. ( 26.7 x 29.2 cm )
Part (bust): 23 in. (58.4 cm)

Gift of Miss Edith Hamilton White

1936.512

This corset was worn by Mrs. Benjamin Ogden White (1841-1883) of 23 Washington Square North during a period of mourning in 1863. She may have been mourning a family member killed in battle during the Civil War.

ClassificationsCLOTHING AND FASHION

DescriptionBlack velvet corset-style boned bodice with low round off-the-shoulder neckline; high waistline to lowered pointed "V" at center front; constructed of hand-stitching; trimmed with pink satin binding around armholes neckline, waistline and princess seamlines; dark pink satin laces criss-cross at center back closure; stitched eyelets for lacing at center front closure.

Object NameMourning corset