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In my recent searches through Civil War era patent applications, I came across several items that might be of particular interest to the ladies. This is one that gives new meaning to the term "under-wire".
Because of its delicate nature, I thought the WARNING in the title might be needed to soothe the sensitivities of some of our members. We wouldn't want to see this dangerous material printed out and stashed away with the Sears & Roebuck Catalog hidden in the hayloft!
282262[/ATTACH]']
The official description (though a bit risque) reads as follows:
Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 43,321, dated June 2S, 1864.
To all whom it 'may concern Be it known that I, E. M. MARSHALL, of Hillsdale, Columbia. county, in the State of New York, have invented, made, and applied to use a new and improved article for ladies wear, which l term a Mammiform and Protector and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and correct description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, making a part of this specification, and to the letters of reference thereon, in which- Figure l is a view of my improved mammiform and protector; Fig.2, a view of the same, showing one of the springs detached; Fig. 3, a view showing the` interior of one of the springs of my improved mammiform and protector, also the form of same 5 Fig. 4, a view showing the application of my mammiform and protector.
In the drawings like parts of the invention are designated by the same letters of reference.
The nature of my invention consists in the construction and operation of a mammiform and protector, as hereinafter shown and described.
To enable those skilled in the arts to make and use my invention, I will speak of its construction and operation.
I construct a right hand and a left hand former of the particular shape desired namely, as nearly like the natural breasts as possible.
My improved mammiform and protector is formed of wire wound upon these formers, forming two springs, A-A2, connected together as shown, and being as similar as possible to the natural breasts. These springs A-A2 may be separated and used singly when desired.
These springs A-A2 are covered with cloth 7 and when worn in corsets the hooks a are added to fasten to the corset, and when worn separately shoulder-straps b-b are attached, as shown, through which straps b-lb the arms of the wearer are inserted. In this case the shoulder-straps b-b are connected together by the elastic tape c running across the back of the wearer and keeping the straps b-b in position upon the shoulders.
My improved mammiform and protector, being thus constructed, will be found to possess the following advantages: light, flexible, and covering the natural breasts without depressing them, and serving to protect them, and yet the springs of my mammiform and protector may be pressed together or onto the natural breasts, or in any other direction, and when relieved from such pressure resume their natural position and save the wearer the relaxing and debilitating efects of pads, answering all the purposes of a protector, and always presenting a natural appearance.
What I claim as my invention is- 1. Making the springs A-A2' Mammiform, for the purposes herein specified. 2. Forming the springs A-A2 from one and the same piece of wire, for the purpose shown.
ELEANOR M. MARSHALL.
Witnesses:
ANDREW HIGGINS, J. P. MARSHALL.
Because of its delicate nature, I thought the WARNING in the title might be needed to soothe the sensitivities of some of our members. We wouldn't want to see this dangerous material printed out and stashed away with the Sears & Roebuck Catalog hidden in the hayloft!
282262[/ATTACH]']
The official description (though a bit risque) reads as follows:
DESCRIPTION
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
ELEANOR M. MARSHALL, OF HILLSDALE, NEW YORK.
IMPROVEMENT IN MAMMIFOPLM BREAST-PROTECTORS.
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
ELEANOR M. MARSHALL, OF HILLSDALE, NEW YORK.
IMPROVEMENT IN MAMMIFOPLM BREAST-PROTECTORS.
Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 43,321, dated June 2S, 1864.
To all whom it 'may concern Be it known that I, E. M. MARSHALL, of Hillsdale, Columbia. county, in the State of New York, have invented, made, and applied to use a new and improved article for ladies wear, which l term a Mammiform and Protector and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and correct description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, making a part of this specification, and to the letters of reference thereon, in which- Figure l is a view of my improved mammiform and protector; Fig.2, a view of the same, showing one of the springs detached; Fig. 3, a view showing the` interior of one of the springs of my improved mammiform and protector, also the form of same 5 Fig. 4, a view showing the application of my mammiform and protector.
In the drawings like parts of the invention are designated by the same letters of reference.
The nature of my invention consists in the construction and operation of a mammiform and protector, as hereinafter shown and described.
To enable those skilled in the arts to make and use my invention, I will speak of its construction and operation.
I construct a right hand and a left hand former of the particular shape desired namely, as nearly like the natural breasts as possible.
My improved mammiform and protector is formed of wire wound upon these formers, forming two springs, A-A2, connected together as shown, and being as similar as possible to the natural breasts. These springs A-A2 may be separated and used singly when desired.
These springs A-A2 are covered with cloth 7 and when worn in corsets the hooks a are added to fasten to the corset, and when worn separately shoulder-straps b-b are attached, as shown, through which straps b-lb the arms of the wearer are inserted. In this case the shoulder-straps b-b are connected together by the elastic tape c running across the back of the wearer and keeping the straps b-b in position upon the shoulders.
My improved mammiform and protector, being thus constructed, will be found to possess the following advantages: light, flexible, and covering the natural breasts without depressing them, and serving to protect them, and yet the springs of my mammiform and protector may be pressed together or onto the natural breasts, or in any other direction, and when relieved from such pressure resume their natural position and save the wearer the relaxing and debilitating efects of pads, answering all the purposes of a protector, and always presenting a natural appearance.
What I claim as my invention is- 1. Making the springs A-A2' Mammiform, for the purposes herein specified. 2. Forming the springs A-A2 from one and the same piece of wire, for the purpose shown.
ELEANOR M. MARSHALL.
Witnesses:
ANDREW HIGGINS, J. P. MARSHALL.
Attachments
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Hmm. More and more I see the wisdom of my people in wearing just lots and LOTS of dentilium necklaces and fur ties.
Bringing the