English: Named 'Queen Bess', this corset was awarded the bronze medal at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876 and was patented in 1877. A well documented piece, it is unique in its design, which has been carefully constructed to support the wearer’s outer garments. The straps would assist in keeping the corset in place and hinder any shifting due to the heavy fabrics, and the bustle roll at back would ease any strain the wearer might experience from the excessive weight of the skirt.