Metal split/2-part corset busks were invented in 1829 by a French corsetier, so it's certainly possible, even though they weren't immediately widespread. Being a fashion plate, this would likely show the most avant garde features! The loop & post type of fastening for the metal 2-part corset busk wasn't invented until 1848, though, so don't imagine anything available in 1837 as looking exactly like a modern busk. Unfortunately, I'm not sure exactly what it did look like!
What area is this plate from? I don't know enough about the outerwear fashions of the era to be able to tell if it could be French. Not that it matters; English corsetiers could certainly have made use of a French invention, but it would make it slightly likelier. However, there were several attempts in the 1830s to make quick corset removal easier, and to make it easier to lace the corset without help, so it's barely possible this is some other gadget. (Can't imagine what, though; it doesn't fit any of the ones I'm familiar with.) -E House _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
