Rare Antique Victorian Edwardian H&W Maternity Corset For Sale

This listing is for an exceptionally rare, museum-documented antique late Victorian to early Edwardian maternity and nursing corset waist manufactured circa 1905–1910 by The H. & W. Company. An identical exemplar of this specific design is preserved in the permanent Costume Institute collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Met, Accession Number 2009.300.2759a–g). Surviving early 20th-century maternity garments are virtually non-existent on the open secondary market, as these functional undergarments were subjected to continuous wear and practical disposal rather than saved as formal heirlooms.​Engineered specifically as an adaptive health garment, this corset features dual adjustable front-bottom lacing panels positioned over the hips and lower abdomen, engineered to expand or contract during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. The front closure retains its full heavy-duty steel busk with original metal loop-and-stud fasteners, accompanied by two original bottom anchor buttons designed to secure petticoats or garter tabs. Directly between the buttons is a clear, authentic original red factory stamp reading \"H & W\" over a circled \"22\" designating its unexpanded baseline size. The garment is constructed of dense ecru cotton coutil with reinforced vertical stay channels, tightly set metal grommets along the back and sides, and its original period adjustment ties intact.This piece is in original, unwashed, estate-found antique condition. It has been deliberately left unlaundered and chemical-free to preserve the historic fibers and prevent moisture contact with the internal steel stays. Authentic age-patina is present throughout, including natural storage discoloration, surface spotting, and water tide lines along the top edge binding and boning channels as visible in the photos. Structurally, the fabric remains solid, the grommets are tight and firm, the busk hardware fastens properly, and the original laces remain present. The garment is currently stored resting flat on acid-free archival paper to maintain its preservation until acquisition.Measurements:
Please note that these dimensions are approximate flat guidelines only, as the corset is adjustable and can expand significantly or cinch down depending on how the center back and bottom abdominal gussets are laced:Bottom Width (Flat across bottom hem, closed as shown): Approximately 16 to 17 inches acrossUpper Chest Width (Flat across underarm area): Approximately 11 to 12 inches acrossVertical Back Length (Center back lacing edge, top to bottom): Approximately 15 to 16 inchesFactory Stamped Size: 22 (referencing baseline closed waist circumference in inches)