WHEN ETSY'S 5 PHOTO SLOTS ARE JUST NOT ENOUGH.. Please view the other girdle I have for sale to see the design being 'worn'- http://www.etsy.com/listing/76403633/1930s-peach-steel-boned-surgical-girdle?ref=sr_list_4&ga_search_query=surgical+corset&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage
This gobsmacking piece of vintage 'medicalwear' is in thick cotton (that fabulously medical peachy colour) with waffled sections for extra support and panels of steel boning for structure. The boning is probably encased as there are no rust marks wearing through as is common in older pieces.
It is by surgical instrument manufacturers Salt & Son, and has a lovely inner label. They began making surgical belts and corsets in the 20s, advertising only to the medical profession and making appliances to the prescription of the practitioner- so this is a rare piece!
It fastens to the front with 4 canvas straps and metal tooth buckles, plus a removable panel to the bottom front fastening in the same way, that draws the piece in all the back from the center back. If the poor wearer STILL needed more support, there is an adjustable central leather strap.
Complete with elasticated suspenders for seemlessly integrating into your everyday wear- I cannot imagine the kind of outfit you'd have to wear to conceal this thing..
There are two optional 'straps' partly encased in curved rubber tubing (now hardened) that button onto the piece from front to back- I believe they are to go under the leg although I can't imagine why..! There's also an inner rubber pouch, inside a cotton pocket, that would have been inflatable but has now perished- this is removable.
I love this, I've been collecting vintage medical curios for years and I know someone will get loads of pleasure from it (not meaning to sound.. creepy..)
The condition is great for such an old piece, it has been used- and I hope it did the job- and there is use commensurate with age.. some age spotting as you can see, but this may be treatable and lessened with some gentle soapy attention. There are some small blue biro indications on the front straps, as to where to fasten to on the buckles, but these are to the side not seen when the straps are folded over.
The steel buckles are good and shiny, there's no rust to the suspender clips, and the elastic is still stretchy, there are no holes to the body and none of the boning is peeping through.
Would be fabulous for display purposes, or to frame! I can see it in a very Gaultier style photo shoot also, if someone was the shape to fit it and has an open mind.. Would fit around an XS.
Have any questions?
Contact the shop owner.
