Date: c.1935

Modeled by: Jessica J, Annie, Cassandra

Location: Aesthetic Design & Photography studio, Knowles Parlor & Bedroom

Price: Not for sale

This girdle was purchased as new old stock, still in it’s original box. It was made by Airway Surgical Co. which was founded in Canada, but in 1935 they were bought out by a company in Cincinnati Ohio. That company is still in business making medical support devices. When it was purchased the girdle was thought to be from the 1930s to 1940s. But after contacting Airway Surgical we found out it could be dated to the mid 1970s.

According to the Airway web site, the company started making trusses in the 1880s and when surgical procedures for hernias eliminated the need for trusses, they moved into making other medical support devices. We’re not sure what medical need there was for this girdle, but it does do a good job of holding your stockings up.

The size is listed as 25″. Both the box and the garment label show the style as 594.

Neither the box or the garment label provide the content of the fabric, but it is a combination of lace, a stretch jersey, and a rubberized fabric of some sort. It has six ribbon garters and closes on the side with concealed hooks and a zipper.