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Carved wooden staybusk. The front is elaborately decorated with a large heart. Initials and date carved on back: SH1779.

A staybusk is a piece of wood which was inserted into the front of a woman’s stays to keep the torso upright. A busk was often given to a woman as a love token from a suitor. Many were carved or painted with inscriptions and motifs, such as hearts, initials and flowers.