We like to think of people in the 1800s as fusty prudes who were scandalized by the sight of an ankle. So it might surprise you to learn that in the early 19th century a young man in Europe or America, leaving his lover behind to join whale expeditions for 3-4 years at a time, might give his sweetheart a token of love she could wear inside her corset.
To remind his lady of his love, he'd pluck a whale bone or tooth from the waste pile, carve it into a corset busk, and etch or 'scrimshaw' it with coded symbols of his dreams for their life together.
(thanks Lisa)
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