S/3994 Antique Treen 18th Century Mahogany Stay Busk

A most attractive mahogany stay busk of the George III Period, initialled M.W. and dated 1791. The whole is chip carved with stars and roundels, a wheel of fortune, key hole and key, 'to my heart', two goblets and cross hatchings. It is also carved again on the reverse Mary 1791. It has slight historic patinated loss to parts of the edging, but that does not detract from the overall appearance of this extremely intricately carved example. Stay busks were used to fit into a front pocket of a lady's corset, many were plain, but carved ones, as in this instance were tokens of love similar in detail to Welsh love spoons. The whole has a medium colour and retains a patination.

Sold 2 in. (5 cm.) Wide
13¼ in. (33.5 cm.) High
English Circa 1791