[‘There’s a charm about W. B. Corsets’: Edwardian corsetry.] Trade catalogue for ‘Davey Brothers, Corset Specialists, The Drapery Emporium, Faversham [Kent]’, with numerous illustrations of ‘W. B. Nuform’ corsets.

A nice piece of Edwardian trade ephemera. It would appear that W. B. Corsets were running a franchise scheme, providing suppliers with their catalogue and printing the franchisee's name on the back cover: little is to be discovered about either firm. No other copy traced. Hard to date: the corsets have an Edwardian feel, but some features of the illustrations may suggest a slightly later date. A 12mo stapled pamphlet, consisting of 20 pages on ten leaves of shiny paper: unnumbered front and back leaves, and pages on central eight leaves numbered 1-16. Tipped in at edge of p.1 is an adendum slip printed in red ('IMPORTANT NOTE. / Since this Booklet was issued, several of the Prices had to be increased, as follows') In fair condition, lightly aged, with slightly rusty staples. Small ink smudge at one corner of front cover, and short closed tear to edge of one leaf. The front cover carries a pastel-style head and shoulders illustration of a wistful looking young lady with short hair (clothed, no corset), tinted in red. The rest of the booklet is printed in black. The only writing on the front cover is a facsimile note beneath the illustration: ‘There’s a charm about W. B. Corsets’. The back cover carries the details of Davey Brothers. On the reverse of the title is a puff for ‘the world-famous W. B. Corsets’, and the following sixteen pages carry advertisements for the company’s wares, each illustrated with a drawing of varying styles and sizes: the facing central pages each carry one full-page advertisement with large illustration for a single style, as do the rectos of the the other leaves, while the other versos each carry two advertisements, with smaller illustrations. Almost all the styles are ‘W. B. Nuform’, while the inside back cover carries three styles of ‘W. B. Brassieres’. The illustrations present a range of poses and backgrounds, and a typical caption reads: ‘W. B. Elastine-Reduso. Style 716. / New Reduso. Flat abdominal effect, with comfortable support. “Elastine” gussets over groin hold the abdomen firmly without pressure. Front supporters attached to loose “tabs,” exert supporter pull from above the groin, assuring comfort and eliminating strain. Boning over abdomen shortened to ensure sitting comfort. White and Grey Coutil. Embroidery trim. Sizes 22-36 inches. Price 12/11’. See Images.