Corset stay or busk
Carved from baleen. Inserted into the front of a corset as support, a busk was often carved as a token of affection because it would be near the heart of one's beloved.
Photo: Steven Darby
(Canadian Museum of Civilization, 82-361)

Corset for a wedding dress
Gift of John Bogue, Ottawa, Ontario
Possibly made in Montreal for S. Carsley in 1895. The channels for the whalebone stays are clearly visible.
Photo: Steven Darby
(Canadian Museum of Civilization, 982.31.9)

Pickwick
Gift of the Estate of Mary-Ann Lainé, Toronto, Ontario
The handle lifts away from the bell-shaped base, and the point on the end of the handle could be used to raise the wicks of oil lamps.
(Canadian Museum of Civilization, D-2354)

Jagging wheel
Gift of the Estate of Mary-Ann Lainé, Toronto, Ontario
Used to cut indentations in pastry.
(Canadian Museum of Civilization, D-2356)

Scrimshaw carved from a whale's tooth
Artist: W. Latham
This object was acquired in Nova Scotia. The feather emblem in the motif refers to the Prince of Wales, whose visit to British North America in 1860 created an outpouring of loyalty to Great Britain.
(Canadian Museum of Civilization, B-17 b)

Whale-oil lamp
1750-1830
A metal disk through which a wick passed rested over the opening of the glass font.
(Canadian Museum of Civilization, A-1171)