> I have done a good deal of research, and our "corset lady" was definitely
> a "tight lacer."  The 11th and 12th ribs (sometimes call floating ribs as
> they do not attach to the sternum) nearly form a circle when they should
> stop at the sides, and the other bottom ribs are most definitely curved
inward.

     She sounds interesting!

     The part of your first note that caught my attention was asking for
18th or 19th century corsets.  It was the waist-pinching of some eras
in the 19th century that caused the deformities.  While a slim waist
was admired, the emphasis of most of the 18thC was pulling the
shoulders back and a high, rounded bustline.  If someone was in stays
from childhood, his or her entire ribcage might be rounded more than
the natural oval shape, which is different than you describe.

     That's why I was hoping you knew the dates of the woman's life, and
could find a corset style that reflected her shape.

     -Carol

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